Let The Wild Rumpus Begin!
You have questions, we have answers.
Why Duluth?
With more than 100 miles of urban mountain bike trails, Duluth has earned its Gold Level world-class mountain biking status as a national mountain biking city and destination. Chris Bernhardt, Director of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), compares Duluth to mountain biking towns in places like Aspen, CO, Sun Valley, ID, and Park City, UT.
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Spirit Mountain is the city’s hub for outstanding, gravity-fed bike trails. Aaron Rogers, IMBA Midwest trail specialist, declared Spirit Mountain has “the best flow trail in the Midwest.”
Who can participate? How do I register?
Everyone! Our Bike Fest offers races for all ages and all skill levels!
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You can register for races online, or in person on the day of the race. You can also register for all events on-site, up to 20 minutes before race time. Click “Register Now” to get signed up!
What are the details of each race?
What is an enduro race?
Enduro races are comprised of multiple timed stages – downhill or flat trails with transitions between each stage. Riders have a set amount of time to transition between stages and must complete the transition within the time window. The shortest combined time of all stages wins.
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What is a downhill race?
This downhill race is for advanced riders only. Located on Spirit Mountain’s Calculated Risk, a double-black-diamond downhill trail, riders experience very technical rock sections, large jumps, and steep drops. A full-face helmet is required.
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What is a chainless race?
This track and race require no pedaling, allowing riders to carry speed all the way down the hill. The intermediate, rider friendly course leads riders through a challenging and fun set of trails. Quick link and chain pin removal tools are available to riders, and costumes are highly encouraged!
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What is an exposure trail race?
The exposure trail races (30 or 15 miles) cover tracks throughout Duluth’s esteemed trail systems. Partial exposure takes place exclusively on green and blue rated Duluth Traverse trails and accommodates riders of all skill levels. The Northern Exposure covers Duluth’s most difficult trails and will challenge even experienced riders! The racecourse is fully marked, but a GPS unit is recommended. A .gpx file of the race will be made available, and race “tokens” are collected during the race to verify a rider has completed all the necessary trails.
What's this shindig all about?
The Bike Duluth Festival is a high-energy, family-oriented biking event in Duluth, Minnesota. Events include enduro, downhill, XC races, kids’ events, product demos, and evening celebrations with family-fun events, off-beat competitions, awards ceremonies, beer tent, food, music, silent auctions, and more!
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Not a rider? No worries! Come check out the event for tons of fun activities at NO COST including test riding bikes and entertaining kids’ activities area! Spectators may walk up the hill or purchase lift tickets from Spirit Mountain Chalet to view the races.
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Why was the event started?
The nonprofit Kraus-Anderson Foundation was established to support and sponsor events and activities that benefit communities in which the KA family of companies reside and work. Working collaboratively with charities, community groups, area businesses, and individual volunteers, we’re building stronger communities.
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Through the festival, the Kraus-Anderson Community Foundation desires to give back to the community and support Duluth’s outstanding trail system. Read more about why the event was started and what organizations it benefits.
Do you need volunteers?
We thought you’d never ask! Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks. Visit our volunteer page to get involved!
Do I need lift tickets? Are races timed?
If your race requires a lift ticket, you will be prompted to purchase the ticket during your registration check-out. If you are looking to pre-ride before the event, lift tickets can be purchased directly from Spirit Mountain. This ticket is separate from your race lift ticket. You may use the lift as much as you would like during hours of operation on the day you have purchased the ticket for.
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How are the races timed?
Races are chip timed by Duluth Timing experts and built into the race bibs.