Top Five Mountain Bike Festivals for Women in the U.S.A.
These top five fests are where the action is, blending thrilling rides, amazing views, and much bike love. They're the go-to spots for anyone keen to dive into mountain biking culture, packed with workshops, races, and trails for every skill level. And yes, they're awesome for women, too, offering a welcoming space to tackle the trails, pick up new skills, and join the ride with other biking enthusiasts. It's all about sharing the stoke, hitting the trails, and celebrating the bike life together.
Mountain biking is more than just a sport; it's a community where every rider, especially women, finds camaraderie, challenge, and celebration. Across the U.S., mountain bike festivals have become a cornerstone of this community, offering unique experiences that cater to all, focusing on welcoming and empowering female riders. These festivals, from technical clinics led by top female professionals to social rides that build lasting friendships, are a testament to the sport's evolving inclusivity. Let's explore the top mountain bike festivals, breaking trails and barriers for women in cycling. Let's discuss the top festivals and why they are great. But the third part is they are also great for women, too.
01. Roam Fest: A celebration of women on wheels.
Photo by Re Wikstrom
Roam Fest is celebrated as the world's first and largest femme mountain bike festival, and it's a place where magic might find you. It's a weekend dedicated to leaving behind the daily grind and immersing yourself in the joy and freedom of mountain biking with a community that values fun, inclusivity, and adventure. The fest occurs September 21-22, 2024, in Fruita, Colorado.
A Kid-Free, Dog-Free, Responsibilities-Free Weekend: For a panoramic desert journey where you can breathe deep and revel in the fresh air and freedom that only comes from riding. Below are some of the highlights.
What Awaits You:
Photo by Re Wikstrom
Workshops: From brake bleeding with Juliana mechanics to playful riding techniques with Angi Weston, Roam Fest's workshops offer a fun-first approach to learning, ensuring the stoke stays fueled all weekend.
Trail Building Academy: Elevate your trail-building skills with Anne Keller and friends through online workshops and hands-on sessions covering everything from Trail Building 101 to organizing local parties, capped off with the famously fun Sunday Dig Party.
SHREDTalks Panel: An evolving forum that began by spotlighting femmes in cycling and has since grown to foster crucial conversations on diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in the cycling world, promoting increased representation and allyship.
Thursday Skills Party: Join SRAM, The Roam Collective, and Liv Ladies All-Ride for a day with Lindsey Richter and top instructors for on-the-bike and trail riding skills, mechanic training, and more, complete with hydration, snacks, and lunch, plus early camping access.
Solo Shredders Social Ride: Perfect for making new friends and sharing the trail with like-minded riders seeking adventure and camaraderie.
Roam & Ramble Expo: Dive into dozens of partners and workshops, each offering unique ways to enhance your festival experience and biking skills.
We can't guarantee magic or claim it'll be the best weekend of your life... but don't be surprised if it turns out just that way.
Photo by Re Wikstrom
Looking Forward to Celebrating With You: Whether it's a hug, a high five, or a full-body boogie down, we can't wait to share this unforgettable adventure.
02. Sedona MTB Festival
The Sedona Mountain Bike Festival, nestled in the heart of Sedona, Arizona, is a vibrant three-day event celebrating the spirit of mountain biking from March 8-10. Set against Sedona's breathtaking red rock scenery, the festival is a haven for enthusiasts, offering access to over 250 miles of renowned trails within the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest. This gathering is a perfect mix of adventure, community, and learning, with activities tailored for all, including special clinics for women riders.
Sedona MTB Festival: Three days of trails, adventure, and beer.
The Sedona Mountain Bike Festival packs the weekend with guided rides, professional clinics, bike demos, and a vibrant expo. Enjoy live music, local food, and a beer garden amidst Sedona's iconic red rocks. Tailored sessions for women ensure an inclusive biking celebration.
Day 1: Kick-off with exciting bike demos, welcome rides, and an evening of live music and food in the expo area.
Day 2: Full day of guided rides on Sedona's trails, women-specific clinics, and skill sessions, followed by more live entertainment and a vibrant vendor expo.
Day 3: Wrap-up with morning rides, final demo opportunities, and a closing ceremony that celebrates the community of riders.
To see the full itinerary for each day, visit
Key highlights of the Sedona MTB Festival.
Expo and Festival: The festival's heart is its expansive Expo, featuring over 90 vendors. This is a central hub for demo bikes, making it one of the largest gatherings for mountain bike enthusiasts looking to test out the latest gear and bikes.
Rides and Clinics: Various rides and clinics are scheduled, including women-specific sessions led by top female athletes in the sport. Clinics cover a range of skills, from fundamental techniques to advanced riding skills, providing an invaluable learning experience in a supportive environment.
Shuttled Rides: For those looking to explore Sedona's extensive trail network, shuttled rides offer a convenient way to access some of the area's best singletrack without the need to pedal uphill.
Music and Entertainment: Alongside the biking activities, the festival boasts great bands, food trucks, and a beer garden, ensuring plenty of relaxation and entertainment after a day on the trails.
Community and Networking: The festival provides a unique opportunity for female riders to connect, share experiences, and learn from some of the best in the sport, fostering a sense of community and encouragement among women in mountain biking.
03. Sea Otter Classic
Held in Monterey, California, this is one of the largest cycling festivals in the world, known for its competitive races, extensive expo, and wide array of biking disciplines covered. It's a festival that celebrates the diversity of cycling, offering events and activities catering to every type of rider, from professional racers to casual enthusiasts, including women and young riders. The Sea Otter Classic is a hallmark event where the cycling community comes together to enjoy the sport they love in a beautiful setting.
The Sea Otter Classic is primarily hosted at the Weathertech Laguna Seca Raceway at 1021 Monterey Salinas Highway, Salinas, CA 93908. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday — April 17-April 21, 2024.
Four days of cycling festivities:
The Sea Otter Classic spans four action-packed days, making it more than just a series of races; it's a comprehensive celebration of cycling culture. Here's what each day typically offers:
Day 1: The Opener
Expo Opens: Explore the latest in cycling gear, tech, and apparel from hundreds of exhibitors.
Short Track Races: The festival kicks off with high-energy short-track competitions.
Day 2: Full Gear Ahead
Gravel and XC Races: Tackle the gravel or hit the cross-country courses designed for all levels.
Skills Clinics: Join professional-led clinics to sharpen your riding techniques.
Evening Entertainment: Wind down with live music and gatherings in the expo area.
Day 3: Peak Action
Downhill and Dual Slalom: The adrenaline surges with downhill and dual slalom races, drawing crowds and competitors.
Family Fun Rides: Inclusive events designed for families and casual riders.
Awards Ceremonies: Celebrate the day's victors with ceremonies and festivities.
Day 4: The Grand Finale
Enduro and Circuit Races: The final day features endurance-testing enduro races and strategic circuit racing.
Last Chance Expo Visits: Make your final rounds at the expo, catching any booths you missed.
Closing Celebrations: The festival wraps up with closing ceremonies and a final chance to mingle with the biking community.
Each day at the Sea Otter Classic has opportunities to race, learn, and celebrate everything cycling. Whether you're competing, cheering, or exploring the expo, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Visiting the Sea Otter Classic's official website is recommended for the most current schedule and event specifics.
Sea Otter Classic: Not just races, but experiences.
The Sea Otter Classic isn't just about the variety of races; it's about the unique experiences each race offers. Here’s what sets them apart:
Gravel Grinds: Beyond endurance, it's about exploring Monterey's breathtaking landscapes.
Cross-Country (XC): Challenge yourself on courses that mirror world championship terrains.
Downhill (DH): Tackle some of the West Coast's most exhilarating and technical descents.
Dual Slalom: Experience the thrill of racing on a course acclaimed for its design and competitive spirit.
Short Track Racing: Test your limits with intense laps where strategy is as crucial as speed.
Circuit Racing: Engage in tactical play on circuits that demand brilliant riding and precise teamwork.
Enduro: Unique stages that blend the beauty and challenge of Monterey’s natural terrain with the festival's vibrant atmosphere.
Each race at the Sea Otter Classic is more than just a competition; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the cycling culture, meet fellow enthusiasts, and push your limits on some of the most iconic courses. Check the Sea Otter Classic's official website for race details and how to be part of this iconic event. Here, it's not just about what you ride but how you embrace every moment of the journey.
04. Grit MTB Festival: Where challenge meets community.
Grit Fest is about pushing limits and fostering a sense of belonging among cyclists. This festival is perfect for riders looking to test their mettle on some of the most challenging terrains while enjoying a weekend filled with camaraderie and fun. It occurs in Fayetteville, Arkansas, September 27-29, 2024. Here’s a peek at what Grit Fest offers:
Photo from gritfestival.com.
Diverse Trails: From technical singletracks to exhilarating downhills, Grit Fest caters to riders seeking adventure.
Skills Clinics: Participate in clinics led by experienced riders to hone your techniques and confidently tackle the trails.
Community Vibes: At its core, Grit Fest is about bringing together the mountain biking community, offering ample opportunities for networking, sharing stories, and making new friends.
Inclusivity: With a welcoming atmosphere, the festival encourages participation from riders of all backgrounds and skill levels, including specific initiatives to support and empower women in the sport.
Grit Fest is an ideal destination for those who love to ride hard and celebrate even harder in a festival that truly understands the heart of mountain biking culture.
05. Bentonville Bike Fest: A hub of mountain biking.
Bentonville, known as the "Mountain Biking Capital of the World," hosts the Bentonville Bike Fest, a celebration of all things mountain biking. This festival is May 23-26, 2024. The festival showcases the city's extensive and diverse trail network while offering various activities catering to every rider level. Highlights include:
World-Class Trails: Bentonville's trails offer something for everyone, from beginners to pros, featuring flowy singletracks, challenging technical sections, and everything in between.
Races and Competitions: The festival features competitive events such as enduro races, XC races, and unique challenges that test skill and endurance.
Clinics and Workshops: Attend sessions led by professional riders and industry experts covering riding techniques and bike maintenance.
Expo Area: Explore the latest in bike technology, gear, and apparel with an extensive range of exhibitors present.
Family-Friendly Activities: Bentonville Bike Fest ensures fun for the entire family, including kid-specific rides and educational sessions.
Community and Culture: Immerse yourself in the vibrant local and global mountain biking culture with music, art, and food that celebrate the spirit of Bentonville.
The Bentonville Bike Fest not only highlights the area's exceptional trails and biking infrastructure but also emphasizes the community and culture that make mountain biking a way of life. For more details on the festival and how to participate, check out the Bentonville Bike Fest official website.
A wrap-up of the top mountain bike festivals.
These top 5 mountain bike festivals offer unforgettable experiences for riders of all levels and backgrounds. They're not just about the riding – they're about building community, sharing experiences, and celebrating the spirit of mountain biking. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the sport, these festivals promise adventure, learning, and fun. For more details and to stay updated on festival schedules, be sure to check each event's official website
