The 2025 Downieville Classic Bike Festival Returns August 7–10
If there’s one weekend where dusty singletrack, alpine views, and rowdy Sierra spirit all collide—it’s the Downieville Classic, coming August 7–10, 2025.
Held in the historic gold rush town of Downieville, this nationally recognized bike festival delivers more than just epic racing. It’s a mountain town celebration for riders, families, and adventure seekers of all kinds, with high-country trails, cold river swims, music, vendors, and some of the most entertaining side events in the West.
What’s Happening This Year:
Cross-Country and All-Mountain Races
The Downieville Classic’s signature race is a 26.5-mile backcountry grind to the Sierra Crest and back to town. For those ready to double down, the All-Mountain World Championships combine that with a 15-mile downhill descent—one of the most iconic endurance tests in mountain biking. For 2025, the XC course returns to its original route via Sunrise Trail, 93 Road, and Pauly Creek, a change made to help avoid heat-related issues.
Festival Weekend
From Thursday through Sunday, Downieville turns into the ultimate mountain town festival. Expect live music, a vendor village full of outdoor gear brands, the infamous Log Pull contest, the always unpredictable River Jump, and plenty of trailside storytelling under the pines.
New in 2025
Women’s race starts have been updated for better competitive placement, offering a more dynamic and equitable experience for all.
Why It Matters
This event isn’t just a good time—it’s a powerful fundraiser for the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, the organization behind much of the trail maintenance and backcountry access in this region. Since 2003, they’ve been building and restoring miles of trail, creating a sustainable future for mountain recreation in the Lost Sierra.
Make It a Weekend Adventure
Come for the racing or stay for the scene. Whether you’re spectating, riding, or just enjoying the river, Downieville has something to offer. Camp riverside, stay at a local inn, or explore nearby destinations like Sierra City and the Lakes Basin. This is one of those rare weekends where mountain energy, community spirit, and outdoor fun come together perfectly.
The 2025 Downieville Classic Bike Festival Returns August 7–10
If there’s one weekend where dusty singletrack, alpine views, and rowdy Sierra spirit all collide—it’s the Downieville Classic, coming August 7–10, 2025.
Held in the historic gold rush town of Downieville, this nationally recognized bike festival delivers more than just epic racing. It’s a mountain town celebration for riders, families, and adventure seekers of all kinds, with high-country trails, cold river swims, music, vendors, and some of the most entertaining side events in the West.
What’s Happening This Year:
Cross-Country and All-Mountain Races
The Downieville Classic’s signature race is a 26.5-mile backcountry grind to the Sierra Crest and back to town. For those ready to double down, the All-Mountain World Championships combine that with a 15-mile downhill descent—one of the most iconic endurance tests in mountain biking. For 2025, the XC course returns to its original route via Sunrise Trail, 93 Road, and Pauly Creek, a change made to help avoid heat-related issues.
Festival Weekend
From Thursday through Sunday, Downieville turns into the ultimate mountain town festival. Expect live music, a vendor village full of outdoor gear brands, the infamous Log Pull contest, the always unpredictable River Jump, and plenty of trailside storytelling under the pines.
New in 2025
Women’s race starts have been updated for better competitive placement, offering a more dynamic and equitable experience for all.
Why It Matters
This event isn’t just a good time—it’s a powerful fundraiser for the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, the organization behind much of the trail maintenance and backcountry access in this region. Since 2003, they’ve been building and restoring miles of trail, creating a sustainable future for mountain recreation in the Lost Sierra.
Make It a Weekend Adventure
Come for the racing or stay for the scene. Whether you’re spectating, riding, or just enjoying the river, Downieville has something to offer. Camp riverside, stay at a local inn, or explore nearby destinations like Sierra City and the Lakes Basin. This is one of those rare weekends where mountain energy, community spirit, and outdoor fun come together perfectly.
Downieville Classic 2025
Dates: August 7–10, 2025
Location: Downieville, California
Racer Info: Download the official rider guide to your phone for race and festival details
Follow: Downieville Classic on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates
Cause: Proceeds support the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
Whether you’re lining up at the start gate or grabbing a shady spot by the river to cheer, the Downieville Classic is one of the Sierra’s most legendary summer weekends. See you in the mountains.
Downieville Classic 2025
Dates: August 7–10, 2025
Location: Downieville, California
Racer Info: Download the official rider guide to your phone for race and festival details
Follow: Downieville Classic on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates
Cause: Proceeds support the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
Whether you’re lining up at the start gate or grabbing a shady spot by the river to cheer, the Downieville Classic is one of the Sierra’s most legendary summer weekends. See you in the mountains.
