Fears, Tears & Beers Mountain Bike Enduro Race
Ride up, over, around, and through some of the highest elevation mountain ranges in the Silver State at Fears, Tears & Beers—the longest-running enduro mountain bike race of its kind in the United States. Attracting top names in cycling and mountain biking from all corners of the country (and world), Fears, Tears & Beers begins in downtown Ely where racers start their ride on a casino floor, pass slot machines and table games, then hit rugged terrain in the spectacular high desert surrounding Ely.
Organized by mountain bikers for mountain bikers, Fears, Tears & Beers is the country’s oldest MTB enduro race. Tackle twisties and sprints on the way down the mountain after rolling through a casino floor.
Racers will ride to the top of Ward Mountain and get timed at specific sections of the course. The sum of the times on these runs will determine the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. There are men’s and women’s events for all classes, which include:
- Beginner Run: 11 miles, 1000’ climbing, 2 timed sections
- Intermediate Class: 16 miles, 1,600′ elevation gain, 3 timed sections
- Sport Class: 23 miles, 2,400′ elevation gain, 4 timed sections
- Expert Class: 33.3 miles, 3,400′ elevation gain, 5 timed sections
- Pro Class: 41 miles, 6,000′ elevation gain, 7 timed sections
Not a mountain biker? No problem! There will be music and merriment all day long at Broadbent Park. Bring your binoculars to watch the expert and pro classes take on the final downhill timed section. The Bristlecone Convention Center will also host the after-party and awards ceremony, which includes a post-ride feast that’s free for racers and $10 for the public. Watching and cheering on the race is free, but anyone hoping to compete will need to pay a registration fee.
An annual fundraising event for the Great Basin Trails Alliance, riding in this event means you’re helping fund the building and maintenance of non-motorized trails in the Ely area.
Whether it’s weaving two wheels through slot machines or ripping down Ward Mountain singletrack, the enduro course at Fears, Tears & Beers is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the sport of mountain biking.
