CARRABASSETT BACKCOUNTRY CYCLE CHALLENGE
Mountain Bike Endurance Races – Saturday, July 18, 2026
The 100K, 50K, & 25K courses will cover a great mix of backcountry mountain bike terrain winding through the beautiful, unspoiled forests and mountains of Carrabassett Valley and its surrounding communities, consisting of technical single track, double track, and dirt roads, with steep climbs and exciting downhills.
Check us out on Facebook or our website cbccrace.com for the most up-to-date news and developments!
We are thrilled to be part of the NUE Series for the 9th year!
REGISTRATION:
100K Endurance Race, 50K, and 25K Races:
Online registration begins on February 1, 2026. Online registration closes on July 1, 2026, at midnight. Participants are able to edit their registration via Bikereg up to July 1; additional payments may be required with changes made. In-person registrations will not be accepted at this year's event
For this year's CBCC, we have increased the cap to 600 racers!
That total is divided between the three distances, with a majority of the extra spots this year going to the Women's 50K and 25K!
FEES:
Endurance Race: $150.00 if you register by May 18, 2026; $175 if you register after May 18, 2026. The fee includes entry into the race, one 2026 CBCC shirt, feed station food and beverages, SAG wagon, post-race meal ticket, complimentary campsite Friday night at Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, door prizes, and awards to top finishers.
50K Race: $100.00 if you register by May 18, 2026; $125.00 if you register after May 18, 2026. The fee includes entry into the race, one 2026 CBCC shirt, feed station food and beverages, SAG wagon, post-race meal ticket, complimentary campsite Friday night at Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, door prizes, and awards to top finishers.
25K Race: $50.00 if you register by May 18, 2026; $65.00 if you register after May 18, 2026. The fee includes entry into the race, one 2026 CBCC shirt, feed station food and beverages, SAG wagon, post-race meal ticket, complimentary campsite Friday night at Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, door prizes, and awards to top finishers.
For the 25K distance only we are allowing riders 10 and older, 50K and 100K are still 12 and older. All 25K riders ages 10 to 11 are required to be accompanied by an adult at all times while on course! We do not need the accompanying adult to register as a racer if they do not wish to but we do need to get info from them since they will be on course. Those adults will need to email us via Bikereg after they sign up the kid for further instructions
Refunds & Deferrals: There is a strict no-refund, no-deferral policy this year; however, if you wish to give up your spot, you may transfer your registration to another person. See the transfer information below.
REGISTRATION TRANSFERS:
If you are not able to make it to the event after you register, you are able to transfer your spot to another participant via Bikereg on or before June 27th. Transfers can only be made within the same race distance. Bikereg and the CBCC do not facilitate any exchange of fees so that will need to be handled on a personal level between the two racers. Follow the link below to help you through the transfer process and please reach out to us with any questions or issues.
http://cbccrace.com/transfer-registration/
MANDATORY CHECK-IN/PACKET PICKUP:
100K Endurance race participants must check in and pick up their racer packets on Friday, July 17, from 4-9 PM or Saturday, July 18, from 6-7 AM at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. Participants must pick up their own packets. Photo ID is required. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must also be present.
50K race participants must check in and pick up their racer packets at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center on Friday, July 17, from 4-9 PM or Saturday, July 18, from 7-9 AM. Participants must pick up their own packets. Photo ID is required. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must also be present.
25K race participants must check in and pick up their racer packets at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center on Friday, July 17, from 4-9 PM or Saturday, July 18, from 8-10 AM. Participants must pick up their own packets. Photo ID is required. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must also be present.
ABOUT THE COURSES:
Over the past 15+ years, over 1.5 million dollars was spent to build mountain bike trails in the Carrabassett Region. The goal is to construct an iconic mountain bike trail network that is on everybody's "must-ride" list. The region is well on the way to making this a reality through the help of many organizations and individuals including many thousands of volunteer hours. To date, there are over 80 miles of riding for all abilities. This includes miles of super flowy, machine-built singletrack and old-school style trails that have been carved out with hand tools and sweat. The Carrabassett Backcountry Cycle Challenge (CBCC) is your chance to experience some of this outstanding riding.
At times you will find yourself deep in the woods, crossing streams and maybe even pushing your bike up a punchy climb. This race will challenge your mental toughness, but will leave a big grin on your face at the finish line.....DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?!
100K, 50K, and 25K COURSES:
Race course details will be finalized after some needed trail repairs are completed during the spring and summer season. Once the race course details are finalized, we will announce those details on our website and Facebook page. Stay Tuned!
START TIMES: (Subject to change*)
100K Race Start Times: 8:00 AM
50K Race Start Times: 10:00 AM
25K Race Start Times: 11:00 AM
TIME LIMITS:
Time limit and feed station cut-off times will apply to this race. The preliminary limit requires all participants to be at the final feed station by 3:30 PM. Any rider who arrives at the final feed station after 3:30 PM will not be allowed to continue the race and will have to return to the venue at Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. The CBCC is not responsible for riders still on course after 5pm.
Cut-off times are NON-NEGOTIABLE.
WESTERN MAINE CENTER FOR CHILDREN KIDS RACE!
Day of race registration available for kids races!
We will be announcing details on the kids race as we get closer to event day!
You can expect multiple heats of different distances and age groups for kids ages 2 to 12. In addition, the kids race will offer a “fun race” for kids age 6 and under on balance or pedal bikes!
VOLUNTEERS:
If you or someone you know would like to join our awesome volunteer crew, they should register through this Bikereg. Once we get all your/their info, we will be in touch to get more details about time availability etc. Our volunteers make this event possible and we could not do it without them!
MEALS:
We are in a remote area and the meal options that the CBCC is providing are listed below. If you want special food or meals, please plan to bring it with you.
Local restaurants often offer dinner specials. More details to follow.
Details about the post-race meal for 2026 are still in progress. We will be updating everyone as soon as we can but resty assured, it will be delicious! Please make your choice (meat or veggie) during registration and we will get in touch with you as more details come. Limit one meal per participant.
PRIZES:
Cash prizes will be awarded and mailed to those winners.
T-SHIRTS:
One 2026 Carrabassett Backcountry Cycle Challenge T-shirt is included with all registrations; you will pick a size during the registration process!
You have the option to purchase additional T-shirts during registration. In addition, a limited number of CBCC swag options will be available for purchase over the course of the race weekend.
LODGING:
Your CBCC race entry fee includes free car and tent camping at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. Car camping will be in the lower parking lot area and tent camping in the “stadium” field (no cars on the field). Please note, there is a limited number of car camping spaces at the venue (first come, first serve). Grey and black water must be stored within vehicle storage tanks; there is no water supply or dumping station available. Fires are not permitted. The Outdoor center will be open for bathroom use only, no showers.
If you prefer to book a room, we’ve included local lodging options below. Please reach out to these locations for current protocols/availability. Book early! In addition, visit https://www.mainesnorthwesternmountains.com/ for additional lodging info.
Sugarloaf Resort - Carrabassett Valley – 1-800-THE-LOAF
The Sugarloaf Inn – Carrabassett Valley – 207-387-9711
Hostel of Maine - Carrabassett Valley – 207-237-0088
Apres Village - Carrabassett Valley - 877-277-3763
Spillover Motel and Inn at Stratton Brook – Stratton – 207-246-6571
Stratton Motel and Hostel – Stratton - 207-246-4171
Stratton Plaza Hotel – Stratton - 207-246-2000
White Wolf Inn – Stratton - 207-246-2922
The Mountain View Motel & Campground – Stratton – 207-246-2033
Mountain Village Farm – Kingfield – 207-340-1007
Stanley Avenue – Kingfield – 207-265-5541
Hillholm Estate – Kingfield – 207-340-1020
Terrapin Hostel - Kingfield - 207-491-7786
PARKING:
Parking will be available at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in the lot or down the access road. As we grow as an event, keep in mind that parking is limited at the Outdoor Center, please plan accordingly and park in order to maximize space for all attendees. Carpool if possible!
RACE RULES:
You will be held to these rules, which include, but are not limited to, EFTA Rules of Racing, whether you read them or not.
IF YOU DROP OUT OF THE RACE, YOU MUST LET A FEED STATION VOLUNTEER, COURSE MARSHAL, OR TIMER KNOW BECAUSE WE WILL NEED TO ACCOUNT FOR ALL RACERS BY THE END OF THE DAY.
EFTA Rules of Racing apply. The EFTA Rules of Racing are available at www.efta.com. An excerpt of the EFTA Rules of Racing will be provided at check-in and in-person registration. Basic rules require that the rider start and finish with the same bike. Helmets must be worn at all times. When riders are heading in the same direction, racers riding the bike have right-of-way over racers pushing their bikes. Water may be accepted from anyone along the course. Riders must carry their own tools and do their own repairs or with the assistance of fellow racers only.
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Littering the course is not only a violation of the EFTA Rules of Racing, but is also disrespectful of the environment and landowners. Please carry your trash, such as gel wrappers, flatted tubes, etc. to the next feed station.
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Only registered racers are allowed to ride the course. Spectators on foot are allowed at designated areas only, and must stay off the trail when racers are present. Information will be provided on race day.
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Since much of the course exists due to permission of private and public landowners, we cannot allow pre-riding or post-event riding. Riding on restricted access trails on days other than race day without landowner permission will jeopardize this event.
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Course sweeps will follow the racers ensuring no participants are left on the course.
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If you discover you need one, let a feed station volunteer or course marshal call a SAG wagon for you.
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The course intersects with public roads, which will not be closed to vehicular traffic during the event. Therefore, normal rules of the road apply. Course marshals and/or police officers will be available at some of the road crossings to assist you to cross safely. You must follow their directives. If no course marshal or police officer is present, you must cross with caution.
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Riders must check in with their race number with the course marshal at designated checkpoints. Course marshals at the checkpoints will note race numbers in order of passing.
We are finalizing our protocol for drop bags at this year's event. Please check back or on our Facebook page as we get close to July.
Showers will not be available at this year's event*
We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Carrabassett Backcountry Cycle Challenge!
Should you have any questions after you have reviewed this information, please contact us via the BikeReg event contact tab.
We would like to thank you for participating in the Carrabassett Backcountry Cycle Challenge. Your participation will support Carrabassett Region NEMBA trail maintenance and development, youth bike camps, and the Town of Carrabassett Valley mountain bike race fund for future events. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who is making this event possible.
Have fun and enjoy the ride!