The Town Challenge mountain bike series is back for a five-race schedule along with an end-of-season community ride and award ceremony on select Wednesdays through Aug. 13. 

The series, running for its 36th year, will look similar to last year with a second-ever race beginning at the Cow Creek Trailhead — using the backside of Emerald Mountain for just the second time ever.

Construction is also no longer an issue at Steamboat Resort so there will be another race at Mount Werner again this year. 

Steamboat Recreation Supervisor Austin Cagaanan said last year’s running division was a success and will return for each race this summer. The Foot Division takes competitors around roughly five kilometers of trail and takes off after the final groups of bikers begin their rides.

The 2025 Town Challenge series schedule:

• June 11 — Emerald Endurance at Howelsen Hill
• June 25 — Mount Werner Madness at Steamboat Resort 
• July 9 — Emerald Envy at Howelsen Hill
• July 23 — Cow Creek Classic on Emerald Mountain from Cow Creek Trailhead
• Aug. 6 — Buff Pass Burner, a hill climb race on Buffalo Pass
• Aug. 13 — Free community ride at Howelsen Hill 

The first race of the season will be the Emerald Endurance on Wednesday, beginning at Howelsen Lodge and taking riders up and around Emerald Mountain before returning to the lodge. Kids races will take off in increments beginning at 5:15 p.m. with the adult races starting periodically between 6-6:27 p.m. The foot division begins racing at 6:35 p.m.

Following each ride will be a post-race party consisting of prize drawings from the series sponsors and drinks from Storm Peak Brewing (ID required). The Shreddies food truck will be on hand slinging Philly cheesesteaks as well. 

Season passes are still available, costing $120 for adults, $100 for 13- to 17-year-old riders and $80 for 6- to 12-year-old riders. Individual races are priced at $30 for adults, $25 for 13- to 17-year-olds and $20 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under can ride for free. 

To purchase a season pass or register for a Town Challenge race, visit TownChallenge.com and select the “Registration” tab. Online registration is available until 11:30 p.m. the night before each race with onsite registration offered from 4-6 p.m. the “day of” at an increased rate.

“We finished off with the river series and gearing up for the bike series just makes us more excited,” Cagaanan said.