Mud Sweat & Beers 2026 - The Sweet 16!

Get ready to hit the trails at the iconic Mud Sweat & Beers - The Sweet 16!, Michigan's premier spring mountain bike race, taking place on May 2, 2026, in Traverse City, MI. Starting and finishing at the scenic Mt. Holiday Ski and Recreational Area, this highly anticipated event draws nearly 1,000 riders and spectators annually. Participants will navigate challenging courses through the VASA Trail system, featuring a dynamic mix of climbs, descents, singletrack, and two-tracks, all culminating in an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping slalom down the ski hill through "Dragon's Alley" to the famed Max's Service Mud Pit Finish. The 25-mile Stout course boasts approximately 1,800 feet of elevation gain, while the 12-mile Pale Ale offers around 900 feet, promising a true test of grit and skill. Typical race day conditions for early May in Traverse City see highs around 49°F and lows around 29°F, with a 15% chance of precipitation, ensuring true "mud, sweat, and beers" conditions.

This year marks the "Sweet 16!" edition, embracing a full 1980s theme, complete with a new Retro–Klunkers category for pre-1995 mountain bikes, encouraging riders to dust off their vintage gear. Beyond the exhilarating ride, Mud Sweat & Beers is deeply rooted in community, serving as the largest annual fundraiser for the non-profit Mt. Holiday and local partners, having raised over $800,000 since 2010. While aid stations provide limited water and granola bars for distressed riders, participants are advised to be self-sufficient with their own hydration and nutrition.

Whether you're tackling the demanding Stout or the spirited Pale Ale, or bringing the youngsters for the under 2-mile Ginger Ale or 1/4-mile Root Beer kids' races, the high-energy atmosphere and post-race local brews create a celebratory blend of competition and camaraderie. Join fellow mountain biking enthusiasts for a spring classic that champions adventure, connection, and a vital local cause.