1/25/24 Grace Lambert-Smith
1/25/24 Grace Lambert-Smith

The best organized rides in America

Challenge yourself with these organized rides in America.

The best organized rides in America Check out our list of the best organized rides and events in America

The size and geography of the United States makes it a paradise for all kinds of riders. Whether you’re training at altitude in Arizona or Colorado, enjoying the sprints across the flatlands of Kansas or getting a bit of everything around California, there’s something for everyone. 

We want to share the diversity of bike riding around the country, so we curated this list of organized bike rides for you.

Contents

Most popular MTB rides and events in the USA

Red Bull Rampage

When? October 

Where? Virgin, UT 

What? Red Bull Rampage is the world’s most renown freeride event. While you won’t be able to take part yourself (it’s invitation only and currently only men compete) it’s certainly worth the trip. You’ll see the world’s best perform the world’s most daring and downright scary tricks in the desert of Utah.

Leadville 100

When? August 

Where? Leadville, CO 

What? First held in 1994, this 100 mile course is one of the toughest cross-country races out there. The course has over 12,000 ft of elevation and the highest peak on the route is at 12,600 ft above sea level.

Tour Divide

When? June 

Where? Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico 

What? The Tour Divide is an endurance event like no other. At 2,745 miles, you’ll see everything the USA has to offer between its borders. The route roughly follows the Great Divide MTB Route and features more than 200,000 ft of climbing. If all that wasn’t enough, it’s free to enter so what are you waiting for?

The most popular mountain bike rides and events in America The most popular mountain bike rides and events in America

Best road rides and events in America

Ironman 140.6 World Championships

When? September and October 

Where? Nice, France and Kona, Hawai’i 

What? The pinnacle of triathlon was traditionally held in Kona. In 2023, the format changed. The city of Nice in France was added to showcase the world’s multi-sport stars. The men’s and women’s races now take it in turns to road bike race in each location every year. Though you have to qualify for the World Championships, you can take part in as many other Ironman events as you wish to do so.

Tulsa Tough

When? June 

Where? Tulsa, OK 

What? Tulsa Tough is a cycling festival for everyone. Offering 3 days of crit racing and sportive riding across a range of venues and distances, this event is non-stop fun. If you prefer to cheer from the side lines you can bring your best cheering for the professional races and soak up the atmosphere.

Death Ride - Tour of the California Alps

When? July 

Where? Turtle Rock Park, California Alps 

What? The Death Ride is a challenge for climbers and endurance riders. The route takes on 103 miles of closed road riding. Experience 6 hors catégorie (HC) climbs that result in 14,000 ft of elevation. Bring your family and friends, and enjoy the whole weekend together.

The best road rides and events in the USA The best road rides and events in the USA

Best gravel rides in America

Unbound Gravel

When? June 

Where? Emporia, KS 

What? As the pinnacle of the gravel calendar, Unbound is a bucket list event. With 5 distances to choose from (XL, 200, 100 50 and 25 miles), there’s a course for everyone. The XL route is a staggering 352 miles with 13,500 ft of climbing. Are you up for the challenge? 

Canyon team will be present both days (Thu-Fri) and will provide complimentary owner bike checks in appreciation to our customers. You will also have the opportunity to see our latest gravel bikes. On the race day, Canyon will provide ProSport aid station support.

For more info follow our events page.

SBT GRVL

When? August 

Where? Steamboat, CO 

What? Enjoy a weekend away riding the best gravel roads in Colorado. Across 4 distances (142, 100, 60 and 37 miles) each route packs a punch. You’ll ride through historical ranches, up legendary peaks and across sweeping vistas. This event is not to be missed. 

Canyon will be present as a Bike Sponsor. You can expect full weekend of special events, group rides, athlete meet and greets, owner bike checks, and giveaways.

For more info follow gravel events page.

The best gravel rides in the USA The best gravel rides in the USA

Best long distance rides in the USA

RAGBRAI

When? July 

Where? Iowa 

What? Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) is a non-competitive ride across the state of Iowa. That’s right, you’ll ride from the western border to the eastern border. You have a week to complete around 500 miles (depending where the host communities are) and you’ll be among 30,000 others all on the same journey. Block your calendar now! 

The Race Across America (RAAM)

When? June 

Where? Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD 

What? Want to ride from one side of the country to the other? Assemble your crew and start qualifying now! You’ll race over 3 mountain ranges, 4 rivers and the Great Plains. The clock starts in California and it’ll keep ticking until you reach Annapolis. If you’ve got what it takes, RAAM is the event for you.

More inspiration on where to ride whether you want to push your limits or keep it social, you can find in our Rides blog section

The best long distance rides in the USA The best long distance rides in the USA

Honorable mentions – meet Canyon

With so many events across the country, it’s impossible to list them all. While this list features some of the biggest and best, we know there are way more out there worth a shot. Here we list some of notable events where Canyon team will be present. 

Belgian Waffle Ride, California (Bike Sponsor)

When? April 27 - 28, 2024 

Where? San Marcos 

What? Held in April every year, the Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) is a season opener not to be missed. With a star-studded line up, this event is a great opportunity to check Canyon Expo Booth. Our team will be present both days and will provide complimentary owner bike checks in appreciation to our customers. You will also have the opportunity to see our latest gravel bikes, have some Ice Cream in a social ride, or hang with the pros!

Sea Otter Classic

When? April 18-21, 2024 

Where? Monterey 

What? As multi-discipline event, the Sea Otter Classic is a true festival of cycling held in April. Mountain bikers and roadies alike can enjoy a weekend of riding some of California’s incredible terrain. Better yet, you can test a Canyon bike while you’re there by visiting our stand. You can expect athlete guest appearances, bike clinics, prize giveaways, free coffee, and eMTB test rides

Stetina’s Paydirt (Bike Sponsor)

When? May 18 2024 

Where? Carson City 

What? A mixed terrain pavement/gravel/sand event. As a bike sponson Canyon will provide complimentary owner bike checks. You can expect happy hour too! 

Race Day: Aid station takeover 

For more info on Canyon related events, follow our events page. 

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  • Grace Lambert-Smith
    About the author

    Grace Lambert-Smith

    Meet Grace, our SEO Copywriter who calls the Peak District National Park home. An experienced long-distance road cyclist, she's now focused on mastering the art of gravel riding and mountain biking. With a passion for telling cycling stories through the written word, Grace is always ready to share her experiences with others.

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