Ann Arbor Short Track Mountain Bike Race

About the Event

Experience an unforgettable fall afternoon and evening at Ann Arbor's Olson Park, where you can enjoy mountain biking on the local loop. This race caters to riders of all ages and abilities—perfect for kids, teens, and adults! The courses are designed with fun in mind; races last just 30 minutes or less, making it a perfect outing for families.
Admission is budget-friendly: $20 for adults and $15 for juniors. There’s even a free race reserved specifically for the littlest racers under nine years old! Spectators are more than welcome to join in the fun—bring your family and cheer on competitors from the sidelines.
Olson Park's trails offer novice and intermediate riders a welcoming challenge, making this event accessible to everyone from beginners to seasoned cyclists. The course is marked by a single-trail loop that’s approximately 1 mile long, with sections of grassy terrain for safe passing opportunities. For those under nine years old, the fun race covers only 0.4 miles on paved and flat trails.
Registration opens online through BikeReg up until just before each race starts. Pre-register early to save a few dollars—signing up more than one race grants you an additional $5 discount for subsequent events. On-site registration is available but must be done electronically with proof of payment, due to pre-printed start sheets.
Remember to arrive early and check in at Olson Park to pick up your race number; this will ensure a smooth transition into the event. Helmets are mandatory throughout, so bring yours or have one on hand.
Start times for each category are clearly posted based on registration details. Kick off festivities with the kids fun race starting at 3:30 PM—come early and enjoy the park atmosphere before your turn to race!
Safety is paramount in this event. When passing another rider, do so respectfully and only when it’s safe. Call out "passing left" or "right," ensuring a courteous exchange of space on the trail.
Only non-electric bikes are allowed, with brakes required for all participants. The Junior, Intermediate, and Advanced categories must use flat-bar mountain bikes. While electronic bikes aren’t permitted, any type of bike is suitable for kids racers and beginners.
Awards await top finishers in each category: first, second, and third places will receive a podium spot and the satisfaction of bragging rights. All junior participants get an extra treat—a refreshing popsicle!
Fuel up before or after your race at the beer tent with local brews on tap, or grab something from the food truck on site. Bring along your own snacks if you prefer.
Pre-ride opportunities are available anytime Olson Park is open for mountain biking. For those eager to familiarize themselves with the course, pre-race access is granted from noon until 3:30 PM on October 3rd.
Join us this fall and embrace a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and thrilling rides in the beautiful setting of Ann Arbor's Olson Park!

Races Offered

Adult Races - Advanced Men

Oct 03, 2026

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Distance — 0.5 Hours

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Type — Cycling

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88 days remaining

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$20.00

Adult Races - Advanced Women

Oct 03, 2026

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Distance — 0.5 Hours

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Type — Cycling

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88 days remaining

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$20.00

Adult Races - Beginner Men

Oct 03, 2026

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Distance — 0.42 Hours

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Type — Cycling

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88 days remaining

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$20.00

Adult Races - Beginner Women

Oct 03, 2026

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Distance — 0.42 Hours

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Type — Cycling

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88 days remaining

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$20.00

Adult Races - Gender Expansive

Oct 03, 2026

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Distance — 0.5 Hours

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Type — Cycling

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88 days remaining

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$20.00

Adult Races - Intermediate Men

Oct 03, 2026

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Distance — 0.5 Hours

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Type — Cycling

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88 days remaining

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$20.00

Adult Races - Intermediate Women

Oct 03, 2026

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Distance — 0.5 Hours

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Type — Cycling

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88 days remaining

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$20.00

Kids & Juniors Races - Junior Boys

Oct 03, 2026

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Distance — 0.33 Hours

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Type — Cycling

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88 days remaining

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$15.00

Kids & Juniors Races - Juniors Girls

Oct 03, 2026

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Distance — 0.33 Hours

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Type — Cycling

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88 days remaining

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$15.00

Kids & Juniors Races - Kids Fun Race

Oct 03, 2026

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Distance — 0.17 Hours

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Type — Cycling

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88 days remaining

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$0.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Ann Arbor.

thermostat Temperature

7.6° / 17.1°

wb_sunny Feels like

4.3° / 13.9°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

8h 6m

water_drop Avg rainfall

2.0 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

12.6 km/h (Gentle breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Low

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Moderate (4.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

71.6%

wb_twilight Sunrise

07:49

nightlight Sunset

18:51

About Ann Arbor

Learn more about the host city, Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor — often abbreviated as AA or A2 — is a picturesque city surrounding the University of Michigan. It has a strong bent toward the arts, and an attractive and pedestrian-friendly downtown. Visitors enjoy the city's wonderful sidewalk cafe dining, unique shops, lots of bookstores, and abundant cultural opportunities.