Skip to results
The Kinetic Chronicle logoThe Kinetic Chronicle

Sector Feed

Mountain Bike

Rock, root and descent. Filter, sort and register.

Discipline Guide

Mountain bike racing takes two wheels off the pavement and onto singletrack, rock gardens and steep descents, with formats that range from lung-busting cross-country (XC) laps to gravity-fed enduro and downhill stages. The Kinetic Chronicle catalogs the full spectrum, including Olympic-style XC races, multi-hour marathon mountain-bike events, enduro races that time only the descents and grassroots short-track series. Typical race distances span 20-40 minute XC short tracks, 90-minute to 2-hour Olympic XC races, 40-100 mile marathon MTB events and multi-stage enduros with 4-6 timed descents. The directory includes USA Cycling-sanctioned XC races, legendary marathon mountain-bike epics, enduro series and beginner-friendly short-track leagues. Filter by state, date or distance to find your next mountain-bike race and register directly with the promoter.

What is the difference between XC and enduro?

Cross-country (XC) races are mass-start events on a loop of climbs and descents, with the fastest total time winning. Enduro races time only the downhill stages, with untimed liaisons between them, so fitness and descending skill both matter. Downhill (DH) is a single timed run on a steep, technical course.

What bike do I need for a mountain-bike race?

A hardtail (front suspension only) works for most XC and short-track races, while a full-suspension trail bike is better for marathon and enduro events with rough descents. Tire choice and tire pressure matter as much as the bike on technical courses, so match your setup to the terrain.

Do mountain-bike races have categories?

Yes. Most races field categories by ability (beginner, sport, expert, pro) and age, plus a single-speed and sometimes a fat-bike class. Beginners typically start in a short-track or beginner XC category before moving up as their fitness and handling improve.

18 events logged