Mt. Ascutney Bicycle Hillclimb 2026
Windsor, Vermont · Saturday, September 5, 2026
The Mt. Ascutney Bicycle Hillclimb 2026 is a cycling, trail running, and virtual event held on Saturday, September 5, 2026. It is located at 1826 Back Mountain Rd in Windsor, Vermont.
- Date
- Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 10:30 AM
- Location
- 1826 Back Mountain Rd
Windsor, Vermont
05089
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Low registration fees, a friendly race atmosphere and all profits to charity. Mt. Ascutney is the..
“People's Hill Climb”!
Join us for an ascent up one of the USA’s most iconic climbs! The race takes place on a scenic state park road that’s completely closed to traffic. Compete head to head against some of the finest hill climbers on the east coast, or challenge yourself to conquer one of the hardest hills in the country.
Our partner is once again the Ascutney Trails Association non-profit and all proceeds from the event will go to their important work developing trails for public use on Mt. Ascutney.
REGISTRATION
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Juniors (under 18) use the code JUNIOR for a $10 discount
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No USAC license required
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All proceeds to charity!
FAQ
I'm not sure what my FTP is or which wave to register for? Don't stress it! The waves are just to get groups of riders with similar ability the chance to challenge themselves against each other. Just pick one you think is about right. You can always go in and edit your wave later in Bikereg if you change your mind.
I'm not super interested in head to head, I just want to race against the clock? No problem! We will still have official timing so you can see your official time and how to you stack up against your age group and/or your previous best.
I'm only a Cat 4 but I smash up hills and want to race in Wave A against the heavy hitters? Go for it! The USAC categories are listed as a guide just to help you find the right level of competition, there are no official Cat restrictions.
What happens if I decide to change my Wave? You can change your category after registering in Bikereg up until registration closes.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE
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Number pick-up open from 8:45 AM until 10 AM.
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Course is open to riders from 8:45 - 10:15 AM on race day.
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Drop bags (with clothes, etc.) can be left at the registration table before 10:10 AM to be transported to the finish line.
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Snacks and hydration (water and Gatorade) will be provided at the finish.
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The course will close to all traffic promptly at 10:15am
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No riders or vehicles will be allowed back down the course until the last rider has finished.
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First wave starts at 10:30 AM.
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Awards ceremony will take place at the summit after last racer finishes and results are tallied
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Going back down:
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Racers need to arrange their own car rides down from the top of the mountain or ride down.
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Limited parking at the finish line (top of the mountain). Carpooling is strongly encouraged for those who want to drive down.
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You may bicycle down after the race. Use caution when descending, there are some frost heaves.
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Stop frequently to let your brakes and rims cool! Be especially careful if you have carbon rims. Letting a little air out if your tires before starting the ride down the mountain is recommended.
WEATHER
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If it does happen to rain the race will go on, an extra challenge!
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If conditions are severe (driving rain, high winds, lightning) we will postpone the start for as long as our vendors can accommodate. We will only cancel the race if the conditions refuse to improve and make the course unsafe to ride.
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In a worst case scenario where we have to cancel we can all head over to Harpoon brewery and commiserate. We have created a virtual route that mimics the course and will schedule a date for a virtual race if needed!
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All proceeds are going to the Ascutney Trails Association non-profit, so in the end its all for a great cause.
DIRECTIONS / LODGING
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1826 Back Mountain Rd, Windsor, VT 05089
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Free parking is available in the field across from the state park (near the start)
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Mt. Ascutney State Park requires pets to be on a leash less than 10’ or safely confined at all times. Your pet is expected to have current rabies vaccination. Pick up after your pet.
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Campsites are available at Mt. Ascutney and Wilgus State Parks. For more information on camping, visit Vermont State Parks or call the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm).
BUMPS
This event is proud to be part of the BUMPS hill climb championship series!
BUMPS
COURSE
"One of the steepest and most difficult climbs in the US"
- Pjamm Cycling
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Strava segment
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3.48 mi / 2,222 ft
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Paved road
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Closed course, no vehicle traffic during the race
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Average grade ~12%, some sections in excess of 19%
[image.png]
hill profile courtesy of pjamm cycling
COURSE RECON
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Course available for inspection and test riding during park season ($4 day use fees apply)
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Course is open to riders from 8:45 -109:15am on race day. The course will close to all traffic promptly at 10:15am
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Youtube recon:
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mile 1
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mile 2
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mile 3
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on board a race car :)
Helmets are required at all times: during the race, and while bicycling down the course after the race.
Please make sure you understand our Race Day Disclaimer, Cancellation Policy, Refund and Exchange Policy before you register for this event.
RACE DAY DISCLAIMER/CANCELLATION POLiCY: We will delay the start time, postpone or cancel the race if the following conditions are reported on the road or summit on the morning of the event, HIGH WINDS, HARD DRIVING RAIN, LIGHTNING, or anything that has the potential for an unsafe event. We will stop the race if conditions are deemed unsafe for the riders in the race. We will not cancel the race for "uncomfortable" conditions.
REFUND/EXCHANGE POLICY: No registration transfers or refunds after registration closes on August 1.