location_city Traverse City
location_on Michigan
flag United States
calendar_today 10 Apr, 2026 – 02 May, 2026
directions_bike Cycling
language Official Website
RegisterJoin us on May 2, 2026, for the 16th Mud, Sweat & Beers – A Homegrown Spring Cycling Event with Purpose
Mud, Sweat & Beers is one of Michigan’s most anticipated spring mountain bike races, drawing nearly 1,000 riders and hundreds of spectators each year to the trails and lodge at Mt. Holiday. Known for its high-energy atmosphere, challenging courses, and unforgettable finish through a muddy chute, MSB blends competition with celebration, all while supporting local nonprofits. Since 2010, the event has raised over $700,000 for Mt. Holiday and community partners.
Riders will launch and finish at Mt. Holiday Ski and Recreational Area overlooking beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. Adult racers will travel through the scenic VASA Trail system before returning to Mt. Holiday’s stadium finish.
This year’s 16th annual race is going full 1980s! We’re introducing a new Retro–Klunkers category, so dust off those pre-’95 rides, crank up the hair metal, and ride like the wind!
Participants can choose from a 25-mile Stout, 12-mile Pale Ale, under 2-mile Ginger Ale, or the kids’ mini-loop, fondly known as Mud, Sweat & Root Beers. Local brews will be on tap for adult riders, who can enjoy the kids’ race later in the day while sampling Traverse City’s best.
All proceeds from the event support Mt. Holiday, the Midwest’s only nonprofit 501(c)(3) ski and recreation area. Since 1949, Mt. Holiday has been built by the community, for the community. Our mission is to continue that legacy by providing value-driven outdoor fun, fostering connection, and creating a space where everyone can share in the spirit of adventure.
Age groups are determined by the rider’s age on race day.
Race Categories
25-Mile Stout – Categories for both men and women:
Elite
Expert
Sport
Clydesdale/Athena
Tandem
Single Speed/Fixed
Tour (not timed)
Vintage – Klunkers (Pre-1995 Mountain Bikes Only!)
12-Mile Pale Ale – Categories for both men and women:
Sport
Beginner
Clydesdale/Athena
Tandem
Single Speed/Fixed
Tour (not timed)
Vintage – Klunkers (Pre-1995 Mountain Bikes Only!)
Ginger Ale – Grouped by age and gender, not timed.
Root Beer (Kids Race) – Grouped by boys and girls:
6 and under
7 and over
Preliminary Schedule for 2026
Friday, May 1, 2026
Packet Pickup: Mt. Holiday, 4–7 PM
New for 2026! The Greater Michigan Ford Dealers Packet Pickup Party in the Mt. Holiday Beer Garden featuring The Headwaters Band!
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Race Day Packet Pickup: Mt. Holiday, 7–8:30 AM
Stout Race Start: 9 AM
Pale Ale Race Start: 9:30 AM
Ginger Ale Race Start: 12:30 PM (approx.)
Root Beer Day Registration: Mt. Holiday Lodge, 12–1 PM
Root Beer Race Start: 1 PM
Awards Presentations: 2 PM
Beer & Food Tent: 10 AM–3 PM
All times and activities are subject to change.
Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be issued. Riders who need to cancel may donate their entry fee to Mt. Holiday (501c3) or transfer their registration to another rider. A $25 transfer fee is required, along with a completed registration and signed waiver. All transfer fees will be donated to the Mt. Holiday Scholarship Fund.
Apr 10, 2026
Distance — Skills Clinic - April 11
Type — Road Cycling
18:00
Apr 17, 2026
Distance — Skills Clinic - April 18
Type — Road Cycling
18:00
Apr 24, 2026
Distance — Course Pre-Ride - April 25
Type — Road Cycling
18:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 2 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 12 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 12 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 12 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 12 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 12 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 12 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 12 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 12 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 14 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — Root Beer - 1/4 mile
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 25 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 25 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 25 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 25 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 25 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 25 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 25 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 25 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 25 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 25 Miles
Type — Road Cycling
09:00
May 02, 2026
Distance — Slow Your Roll
Type — Road Cycling
14:00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Traverse City.
Traverse City is a scenic city on the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. Directly north of Traverse City, the Old Mission Peninsula splits the Grand Traverse Bay in two, with a beautiful windswept landscape and great views of the bay on either side. Slightly to the west, the Leelanau Peninsula, with its charming small towns, forms the "pinkie finger" of the Michigan peninsula, jutting into Lake Michigan. Both peninsulas are prime winemaking regions within the state, and as such are one of the main tourist attractions in the region. Over a million visitors come each year to tour the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a scenic lakeside park with impressively large sand dunes. It's also a very popular destination for outdoor activities, owing to the proximity of Lake Michigan in summer, the impressive autumn colors, and the high snowfalls in winter.
Read more launch
location_on Traverse City, Michigan, US
calendar_today May 08, 2026
Hand-picked events we think you’ll love.
Nov 21, 2026
The RUN Manatee 5k series offers THREE adventures to celebrate ONE community. Participants will discover Manatee County…
Read more
Nov 28, 2026
Join us for the annual Turkey Trails 5k/10k! A fun, Thanksgiving-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.The…
Read more
Dec 13, 2026
Join us for the annual Candy Cane Course 5k/12k! A fun, Christmas-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.Th…
Read more
Mar 21, 2027
WE ARE NOW OFFERING AN AQUABIKE DIVISION! Triathlon Information:Join us for the annual Space Coast Triathlon, held in …
Read more
