This 26 mile mountain bike race begins and ends in downtown Salida by Riverside Park, located on Sackett Avenue. After the race begins in downtown Salida, riders will cross over Hwy 50 and head up CR 101 to the Rainbow Trail. Riders then begin a rolling six mile stretch of single-track before descending via CR 108, the Little Rainbow Trail, and finally Race Track trail. Riders then head back to downtown Salida.

The race will begin with a mass start at 11am at the F Street bridge in downtown Salida. We expect riders to place themselves in a start position appropriate to their ability.

Please note: this is an approximately 26 mile mountain bike ride at elevations ranging from 7,000 feet to 9,000 feet. We will not enforce a strict time cut-off, but do expect participants to be able to complete the course in a reasonable time (under 4 hours).

This race is being held under permits from the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

The Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race is organized by the Salida Recreation Department, Salida Mountain Trails, and Absolute Bikes. Salida Mountain Trails is an all volunteer organization committed to building and maintaining sustainable, non-motorized, multi-user trails on public lands adjoining the city of Salida. They are also working really hard to help put on this race!

We will also hold an after party and awards ceremony following the race in Riverside Park in downtown Salida. Entry fee includes lunch and one drink ticket. We encourage friends and family members to join in the after party at Riverside Park. We will have a live band, and alcohol will be for sale, provided and sponsored by the Arkansas Valley Libations Society. All alcohol sales will benefit Salida Mountain Trails.

Paper registration forms are available to download at www.salidabikefest.com, or on-line registration is available at www.bikereg.com. If you are downloading a paper form, please make sure to also print and fill out the attached waiver. Registration cost is $35 per person (pre-registration). All race day registrations will be charged an additional $15. 

Please use your age on race day when signing up for your event category.

Entry fee includes a supported timed race, gender specific race t-shirt, lunch, one drink coupon for the after party, and a half-off coupon to the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center for use at a later date.

Race day registration is available at Riverside Park in downtown Salida from 9:45-10:45am for $50.