Updated January 12, 2025
The Wilderness 101 is a classic backcountry endurance mountain bike race in Coburn, Pennsylvania, and is part of the National Ultra Endurance Series. There are two lengths: a 101-mile & Marathon distance (101k) backcountry mountain bike race in the Bald Eagle and Rothrock State Forests of PA. The course consists of singletrack, double track, and fire roads with some pavement. The race organizers expect course changes until the event's start. The Marathon course is slightly long at 70+ miles, but it is without the three very, very large mountain climbs that the Ultra loop has included, so it is a fast 70+. Wilderness 101 set the standard on the East Coast in the early 90s for ultra-endurance mountain biking, and at Strambecco, we consider it to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Mid-Atlantic.
At the start gate of the race, there is a large and lush grass pitch where the camping takes place! This is an incredibly nice touch, and in addition to having a nice and pretty space to camp that happens to be directly next to the start-finish lines, the Wilderness 101 offers great logistics and convenience. This is obvious as most of the racers choose to camp at sight the night before.
Some logistics and bonus quotes from the race organizers are: "Entry fee includes post-race meal (FOOD TRUCK pending...) with beverages, two nights camping at the Coburn Park, fully stocked aid stations 20 miles apart along the course. Cash to the Top 5 Men and Women Overall. Awards to top finishers in respective classes. Classes for this event will be Men and Women's Open, Singlespeed, Masters (50+), Tandem, and Clydesdale. Competitor technical t-shirt and participant pint glass. Field limit - don't delay!"
If camping isn't your style, there are a handful of vacation rental options in Coburn and the broader Happy Valley area. State College, home of Penn State University, has a little more action and offerings. After the event, check out local favorites Penn State Creamery and Elk Creek Cafe & Aleworks for live music, great food, and beer. For a full, active weekend, you'll be glad to know that Coburn is located in a picturesque area surrounded by nature, offering several activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding region is a favorite place for hikers. Beautiful and popular trails include Mid State Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests; Alan Seeger Natural Area, known for its diverse plant and animal life; and nearby Rothrock State Forest, featuring an extensive network of trails, including the popular Thousand Steps Trail. The Coburn area is also renowned for its excellent fly fishing and kayaking/canoeing on Bald Eagle Creek. Finally, the Bald Eagle State Forest features several rock climbing opportunities, including the popular climbing area known as Cooper's Rock, offering a variety of routes suitable for climbers of different skill levels.
About the National Ultra Endurance (NUE) Series
The National Ultra Endurance (NUE) MTB Series is one of the premier mountain biking race series in North America, dedicated to ultra-distance mountain biking enthusiasts. The series is composed of Epic Series events, which are grueling 100-mile races, and Marathon Series events, which are 50-mile to 100k length races. Each race/event challenges riders' endurance, technical skills, and determination on some of the country's most scenic and rugged courses. The NUE Series was established in the early 2000s to provide a competitive long-distance mountain biking platform. Its goal was to elevate ultra-endurance mountain bike racing and build a community of athletes passionate about pushing their limits. Over the years, it has expanded to include multiple events spanning diverse terrains across the US and several global locations. In 2025, the Series final takes place at the Oak Ass 100/50 in Alabama.
Participation in individual NUE events is open to all riders, but registration fills quickly due to the series' popularity. Riders must complete at least three events to qualify for overall series rankings, with points awarded based on finishing positions and the best four results counting toward their total score. Categories include Open Men, Open Women, Master 50+ Men, Master 50+ Women, and Singlespeed, with all participants required to meet strict time cutoffs to be considered finishers. The series offers significant rewards, including cash prizes, custom jerseys, trophies, and recognition for top finishers, while providing a platform for riders to gain exposure, attract sponsorships, and join the ranks of endurance mountain biking legends.
The National Ultra Endurance MTB Series is not just about racing—it's a celebration of mountain biking culture, showcasing breathtaking courses, fostering community, and pushing the boundaries of what riders can achieve. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an aspiring ultra-endurance athlete, the NUE Series offers an unforgettable experience. You can see the full roster of NUE events Strambecco's Series Page here with full reviews.
