Sedona’s stunning terrain and plethora of single-track – trails intended for mountain biking and hiking – make it a true haven for mountain bikers. And Sedona’s Mountain Bike Festival seeks to raise awareness of the city’s thriving mountain biking scene. In the six years since its founding, attendance has swelled from 500 to 3,000 to 4,000. “It’s displaying the mountain biking world not only to Sedona, but to the community as well,” says Jason First, co-director of the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival. And community is a strong focus of the festival. Mountain Biking Festival ticket sales benefit both the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund – you can choose to donate to this group when you purchase a ticket – and the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition – a portion of the proceeds from the beer garden go to this group.
From March 6 to 8 at Posse Grounds Park, attendees can enjoy about 90 vendors selling bikes, clothing and hydration packs in addition to group rides and skill clinics. Kid-friendly activities include a bunny hop contest and tricycle race. Group rides are free, a complimentary yoga class will be offered, and anyone can stroll through the festival sans a ticket – giving locals a chance to experience the festival. But don’t think you have to have mountain biking experience to go, either. “There will be a lot of opportunities for all levels of riders, even someone who’s new to the sport,” says Jason. “We’re trying to make it as inclusive as possible.”
The festival will offer a women’s-only tech clinic, a women’s social group ride and group rides for all skill levels. Bikers can ride with a Forest Service ranger. Sedona locals will lead some group rides. Notable group ride leaders include pro mountain biker Ryan Leech, Mountain Bike Hall of Famer Hans Rey and Olympic athlete Sam Schultz.
Jason estimates that roughly 30 vendors will be demoing bikes. Some bikes may cost as much as $6,000. If you’d like to try out a bike, you’ll have to pay the price of admission. But Jason says it’s a steal. A three-day Sedona Mountain Biking Festival pass costs $100 plus taxes and fees. One day of renting a bike can cost $95. Riders can look forward to experiencing a variety of terrain. The road that weaves through Posse Grounds Park will be closed to traffic. Free shuttles will transport attendees to trails in other parts of town including the Little Horse Trail and Dry Creek Vista, in part to reduce trail traffic. The festival also will feature live bands, food trucks (including Dough Broughs Pizza and Flagstaff-based 3’s in the Trees) and a beer garden that will feature local brews including Flagstaff-based Wanderlust and Dark Sky Brewing Companies. According to Jason, these components are crucial. “To me, it’s part of the mountain bike culture. You go for a ride and then have a beer with your friends. It gives it the festival feel,” says Jason.
Jason personally knows just how renowned Sedona’s mountain biking trails are. He moved here in 2011, in part, due to the stellar trails. “You’ve got the views. The red rock is just so unique. The way they’re built. It uses the landscape really well. You’re always weaving in and out of the red rocks. It’s up and down constantly, and it’s always turning,” Jason says. “You’re seeing the mountain bike industry in a world-class destination town for mountain biking.”
To learn more, visit sedonamtbfestival.com.
