Mud, Sweat & Beers - The Sweet 16!!!

Mud, Sweat & Beers XVII returns to Mt. Holiday on May 1st, 2027, bringing nearly two decades of dirt, chaos, community, and springtime stoke back to the trails overlooking beautiful Grand Traverse Bay.

Known for its high-energy atmosphere, challenging courses, and legendary muddy finish chute, Mud, Sweat & Beers has become one of Michigan’s most iconic spring mountain bike races, drawing nearly 1,000 riders and hundreds of spectators each year. Since 2010, the event has raised more than $800,000 in support of Mt. Holiday and local nonprofit partners.

For year 17, we’re going full Pacific Northwest throwback. Think flannel, garage bands, muddy tires, and underground 90s mountain bike culture. This year’s theme channels the spirit of old-school Seattle grit and the era when mountain biking was loud, weird, and wonderfully unpolished.

Riders will start and finish at Mt. Holiday Ski & Recreational Area before heading out into the scenic VASA Trail system and returning for the stadium-style finish that’s made MSB famous.

Participants can choose from:

25-Mile Stout
12-Mile Pale Ale
Under 2-Mile Ginger Ale
Kids’ Mini-Loop: Mud, Sweat & Root Beers
And yes, the Retro-Klunkers category returns, so dust off those 1990's rides, break out the flannel, and ride like it’s 1994.

Local brews will be flowing throughout the day as riders, families, and spectators celebrate another spring kickoff at the hill. Adult participants can stick around after their race to cheer on the kids’ events, enjoy the lodge and beer garden, and soak in one of Northern Michigan’s favorite community traditions.

All proceeds 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, creating year-round outdoor experiences that bring people together through adventure, connection, and a little bit of mud.

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.