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Event Logistics
PACKET PICKUP
Packet pickup for the 76 and the Banana Belt is located in the Salida Scout Hut at Riverside Park in Downtown Salida on Friday, September 12th, from 3pm - 7pm.
You can also pick up your packet late, the morning of the ride, Saturday, September 13th, from 6:30am - 7:30am, though we do not recommend this option. Could there be lines? Yes. Do you just want to get to the start? Yes. You make the call.
You may pick up for another rider—please bring a photo of their ID.
Those who paid for shipping during registration will receive their packets via mail in the coming weeks, well before the ride. You will receive a tracking number once it’s been shipped.
Directions & Parking
SALIDA, COLORADO
Our end of the year shindig will be in the lovely mountain town of Salida. It’s about 2.5 hours South West of Denver on highway 285, or about 2 hours West of Colorado Springs via highway 24 or highway 115 to highway 50.
EVENT START / PACKET PICKUP LOCATION
The packet pickup, start, and finish location is at Riverside Park in Downtown Salida.
PARKING
There’s plenty of parking in Salida, but Sackett Street will be closed to parking on Friday and Saturday, so your best best and minutes from the venue is to park in the public lot just East of the Arkansas River on North F St. It’s free, and it’s right next to Riverside Park.
Lodging
HOTELS IN SALIDA
Looking for a place to rest your sweet head? Check out the Salida Chamber of Commerce for hotel recommendations. Consider staying at a local hotel; they’d really appreciate the support.
CAMPING AT MARVIN PARK
There’s free camping available at Marvin Park near the start. We’ll have a link available for sign-up as you must reserve camping.
Each reservation is for a single vehicle, not a single camping space. Space is limited, so reservations are required.
Vehicles must fit in a standard-size parking space (about 10 feet wide by 20 feet long).
Dogs are not allowed on the grass in Marvin Park, or any City of Salida park.
Leave no trace — If you camp in the park, please leave it in as good or better condition than you found it.
If you have a reservation, you may check in at 4pm on Friday. Your reservation is good for Friday and Saturday nights.
Ride Details
Salida 76
By the time September rolls around, you’re in good shape, but do you really want to go on some 15-hour torture fest? Nah, let’s have fun. Like a mullet glistening in the crisp fall air, the business is in the front with a stout climb off the get-go, but the party is in the back, as it’s your descent back into Salida.
This course is remote, beautiful, and ridden by few. Don’t take this gravel pill alone, as it’s out there—but we’ll be your guide.
Want to race? Sure! If you cross the line in the top 3 for your age category or top 5 overall, some sweet swag will be presented to you by a lovely podium dog or somebody’s kid. Want to just ride and explore new places, knowing we have your back? Perfect. We’ll be out there with you, doing the same thing.
Timing
Start Times:
76-mile: 8:00 AM
76 KM: 8:30 AM
Neutral Roll Out:
There will be a neutral rollout for about 2 miles, controlled by law enforcement.
Once deemed safe, law enforcement will pull away, and riders can race freely. A flag will indicate the start.
Timing End:
Timing stops for all riders at the summit of the final climb.
Riders must complete the entire course, but the final 13 miles are not timed.
Enjoy the descent at your own pace! Take a chill pill and enjoy the views.
Weekend Schedule
[AT RIVERSIDE PARK, SALIDA]
Friday, September 12
3pm - 7pm: Packet Pickup inside the Salida Scout Hut in Riverside Park. You’re welcome to pick up someone else’s packet, as long as you have a picture of their ID.
4pm: Camping at Marvin Park opens. You must have a reservation.
5:30pm: Salida Town Cruiser Ride TBD
Saturday, September 13
6:30am - 7:30am: Late Packet Pickup (Not Recommended)
8am: Salida 76 Mile Banquet Start
8:30am: Salida 76 Kilometer Lite Start
11:30am: After party begins, with food, beer and N/A for all riders
Sometime After That: Awards!
Afterparty at the Velveteen - details coming
sunday, September 14
7:00 am Coffee!
8:30 am Banana Belt MTB Race
11:30 After party begins, with food, beer and N/A for all riders
Sometime After That: Awards!
Course Maps
banquet | 76 Miles
We will take you to far-out places, with sweeping views and classic Colorado high plains beauty. It’s out there, and not easy, but worth every pedal stroke. Be the legend you know you are.
START / FINISH
Riverside Park, Salida CO
RIDE STATS
76 Miles, 7,000’+
COURSE NOTES
The 76 is a far-out gravel odyssey. It’s rugged and beautiful, just like you. There are some spicy descents around mile 13 and mile 38, so please use caution. The course will be marked, but sometimes people can be downers and remove the signs. So be prepared by downloading the route to your bike computer.
lite | 76 kilometers
The great parts of the 76-mile version with a little less commitment. You’re out here to have fun, correct?
START / FINISH
Riverside Park, Salida CO
RIDE STATS
76 Kilometers (47 Miles), 4,800’+
COURSE NOTES
The 76km course travels through private land, only accessible during the race. Many thanks to the McMurry family for letting us cross through their beautiful property. Please be respectful in this and all areas. Be prepared for a short hike-a-bike at mile 22.
ABSOLUTELY NO PRE-RIDING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. Is there a gate? Then don’t go through it before race day.
Cut off times
11:15am - Aid 1 of the Long Course, Mile 17 [After this point, riders will need to take the short course.]
1:15pm - Aid 2 of the Long Course, Mile 36 [After this point, riders will need to take SAG vehicles back or ride unsupported.]
4:15pm - Aid 3 of the Long Course, Mile 60.8
On Course Support
AID STATIONS
76 Mile Course: Miles 17, 36.5, and 60.
76 Kilometer Course: Miles 17 and 31.
Aid stations will be stocked with sweet and salty snacks, water, hydration mix
PERSONAL SUPPORT
Our dear friends at Absolute Bikes will be running support. Prepare yourself with all the required tools for a quick fix, but the Absolute heroes will be running the course to save you, if necessary.
Please note that this is September in Colorado. We always chant to the weather gods for no rain, but bring the proper gear. You never know what these mountains will throw at us.
76 After Party
We’re breaking out our roller skates in Riverside Park around 11:30 am. Post-race meal and a well-earned beer for all riders. Invite your friends and enemies; we’ve earned a good time.
The party after the party: We’re gonna throw down at Salida’s own Velveteen with special awards, gin ‘n tonics, and some light dancing.
Register
Pricing
Your $165 entry Includes:
76 miles or kilometers of spectacular gravel, views, and friendly competition
3 aid stations stocked with all the necessary goodies (2 stations for 76km)
Full SAG, medical and support
Mystery Swag
Finish food, beer and morning coffee
Refund Policy
Your Salida76 entry is non-refundable.
You will see optional rider cancellation coverage offered by a third party available for purchase during registration. The optional insurance generally covers accidents and illness leading into the event. The optional is not a ‘change my mind policy’. It does not cover change of plans, lack of training, minor injuries, general sickness, bad weather day etc. Please consider purchasing additional rider insurance if you would like extra peace of mind and check the policy limitations before you purchase.
[No exceptions. Please don’t email us and ask for a refund. It is unfair to those who invested in insurance, and we hate being the bad guy. We have provided a number of options for you.]
FRIENDS AND FAMILY TRANSFER
There is NO public resale of entries. If you have a friend or family member who would like your entry, we are happy to transfer it to them at any time. The cost of the transfer is $13. PLEASE no posting of for sale entries on public websites/Craigslist etc. The transfer MUST be done officially in our system. We need updated contact information, waiver, jersey size etc. for the new rider.
SELL TO A WAITLIST RIDER
When/If we sell out, we will provide options for you to sell your entry to a waitlist rider. Information will be updated when this option becomes available.
DEFER TO 2026
If your plans change, you may defer your entry for a fee. The fee is paid when you defer, and you will not be charged when you sign up in 2026.
Prior to May 1, 2025 - $25 fee
May 1 to July 13, 2025 - $50 fee
July 14 to Sep 3, 2025 - $80 fee
If you decide after Sep 3, 2025 (10 days before the event) that you can’t ride we will hold a place for you for 2026, but you will have to pay the full fee again.
Deferrals are not transferable, they are for you to return and finish what you started.
To process a deferral, login to your RunSign-up Dashboard and click DEFER.