Downieville Classic Mountain Bike Race

The Downieville Classic has been named one of the top 10 best bike festivals by Outside Magazine.

See for yourself. Come out and join us for fun in the mountains!

What it is: A weekend of racing and partying in the Lost Sierra where riders have to pick one tool for two disciplines: a 26.5-mile cross country race, and a 15-mile downhill with 5000 vertical drop.

The Dirt: Downieville is most famous for its races, and riders come to prove themselves hardened and unbreakable. The Downieville Classic Cross Country race is one of the last remaining point-to-point bicycle races in the United States. The 26.5-mile course follows a rugged "Gold Rush" era route from the mountain town of Sierra City (elevation 4,100'), to the crest of the Sierra Nevada (elevation 7,100'), and down 5,200 vertical feet into downtown Downieville. It’s considered a tribute to the mountains, the rivers, the big trees, the fresh mountain air and the hard men that carved trails through the river canyons in search of gold and prosperity. The Classic is followed by the Downieville Downhill, which drops 5000 vertical feet in 15 miles from Packer Saddle to Downieville. It’s the longest and most demanding downhill mountain bike race in the nation. Not a racer? Not to worry. Nearly as famous are the Ron’s House of Big Air River Jump, the log pull competition, and a soundtrack of live music.

The Downieville Classic sells out, so make sure to get in on registration early. We have a great festival weekend of events lined up Thursday through Sunday for racers, friends and family.

Live music. Log Pull. River Jump.And lots of mountain bike & outdoor sport vendors. Check full weekend of festival events.

Registration opens January 26th!

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NEW in 2025: Women’s race start changes for improved competitive placement.