It’s intense! It’s fast! It’s fun! Come weave and wind your way through the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival on our elaborate 1/2 mile Specialized/Scotts Valley Cycle Sport Short Track race course. Speed by the vendor booths, rally through off-camber corners and pump your way through berms and rollers. You’ll go as hard as you can for a few minutes and then it’s one more lap and a mad dash to finish.

When: See schedule for timing.
Saturday, April 13: Pro/Expert Races
Sunday, April 14: Junior/Amateur Races

Where: Aptos Village Short Track

Who & How Much: Save $10 by registering by 3/24/13. Ladies: register by 3/31/13 to receive 25% off Loeka clothing (except jackets & pants). On-line registration open through 4/10/13. Register at the festival up to one hour before start time for available events, activities and clinics. Stop by the registration booth to check on availability.
  • $50 Pro/Expert Men, Pro/Expert Women: 30 minutes + 1 lap
  • $40 Amateur Men, Amateur Women: 20 minutes + 1 lap
    Register first for the Mountain Bike Skills Clinic and save $10 on this race.
  • $30 Junior Boys, Junior Girls (aged 13-16): 15 minutes + 1 lap

Why: Because you love it! Plus, top 3 in each category receive prizes.
Cash payout for Pro/Expert; Prizes for all others.

What if it rains? This event runs rain or shine. No refunds.

Not racing? Our short track is a great place to demo a cross country or trail bike, develop your mountain bike skills, spectate a race, or volunteer to help run them. Or check out the Expo for a host of other activities.
  • Demo a Bike: Find your dream bike! The half mile short track is a great opportunity to test the variety of bikes on offer in the adjacent Expo. The course offers challenges for all levels. See the schedule for open bike demo times. Note: the course will be closed during the skills clinic.
  • Mountain Bike Skills Clinic: Looking to improve your current skill set or gain some new tricks? Register for Saturday’s mountain bike skills clinic.
  • Kids’ Fun Lap: Prizes for everyone! Kids take one lap around the “big kids” short track and everyone’s a winner.
  • Spectate: Cheer on your friends and family as they race round and round the course. Short track is a very spectator friendly way to experience a cross country race because all the action happens right in front of you. Arrive early to snag a choice spot for your own chair or blanket, or grab a seat on one of the many hay bales that will be available for first-come, first-serve seating.
  • Volunteer: Be rewarded with the best seat in the house by volunteering to help run the event! Contact us for more information.
Scott Chapin, 1st Place Winner Pro Men, Short Track Race 2011

Scott Chapin, 1st Place Pro Men, Short Track 2011. Photo courtesy Sean McSorley.