Just launched, the Backcountry Bike Challenge aims to inspire riders to experience some of the world-class backcountry trails around the country and fundraise in support of the organizations that maintain them…

Created by Kait Boyle, Kurt Refsnider, and Ride With GPS, the Backcountry Bike Challenge is a new series of mountain bike challenges designed to grow the fastest known time (FKT) culture and get riders out on some of the best backcountry singletrack the United States has to offer. In doing so, the program aims to help support the organizations that maintain these trails.

  • Backcountry Bike Challenge
  • Backcountry Bike Challenge

Boyle explains, “It’s while riding in the backcountry to connect to the landscape, others, and myself that I feel the most alive and joyful, and because while challenging myself to ride my best in pursuit of an FKT that I learn the most and realize that I am unlimited. I hope the Backcountry Bike Challenge provides inspiration, resources, and a platform for other cyclists to seek fulfilling experiences, challenge themselves, and connect to the landscape on backcountry trails.”

The project currently hosts a mix of iconic and lesser known trails and routes, ranging from 40 to 370 miles in length. We asked if they’d be adding more to the mix and they assured us there are many additional routes to come, particularly on the East Coast. Here is a list of the current challenges:

  • Kokopelli Trail (Utah)
  • Maah Daah Hey Trail (North Dakota)
  • Massanutten Ring loop (Virginia)
  • Duluth Traverse (Minnesota)
  • Teton MTB Route (Wyoming/Idaho)
  • Alpine #7 Trail (Montana)
  • Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail
  • Bikepacking Roots’ Colorado 14ers Loop
  • The Grand Loop (the original bikepacking race route in the Lower 48)
  • Rose to Toads above Lake Tahoe
  • Highlights of the Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail, and Oregon Timber Trail

Riders can tackle the routes in any style, whether it’s bikepacking, supported, section riding, or chasing FKTs. Anyone can participate by uploading their rides of the routes to the Backcountry Bike Challenge page on Ride with GPS and filling out a ride completion form on the Backcountry Bike Challenge website. Fastest Known Times will be tracked and updated using the Leaderboard in the Backcountry Bike Challenge page on Ride with GPS. All rides, regardless of style, will be shared on the Backcountry Bike Challenge website. Find the complete map and details over at BackcountryBikeChallenge.com.

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