The 14th MoCo Epic Adventure Awaits…
By Jali Fernando
The 14th edition of the MoCo Epic is scheduled for October 12-13, 2024, with staging at the South Germantown Bike Park.
The idea of the MoCo Epic came about in 2009 when some mountain bikers thought of putting together a ride that strung together various trails in Montgomery County. Today, the MoCo Epic is one of the biggest mountain biking events in the region. It's also many other things: a bike adventure, a trailside party, a celebration of advocacy in the county, and a way for folks to give back to the trails we all love to ride.
A bike adventure
The MoCo Epic provides the opportunity to mold your ride into whatever you want it to be. That could be a chill day in the saddle with friends or a chance to push yourself and take on personal record mileage. This year, we are offering 10 routes for all ages and abilities, spanning over 70 miles across 11 parks.
Saturday is the family festival which features two sMORE's rides for our little shredders (6 and 9 miles) and a self-guided family ride. Back by popular demand, we're capping the day off with the Gravity Soul Jump Jam.
Sunday is the main event featuring seven routes—the Infiniti HR 13, Cognitive MTB 20, Erik Scudder CFP 30, Fine Earth 40, Cobalt Bikes 55, First Citizens Bank 70, and the inaugural adaptive ride. Sure, these are on public trails you can ride anytime. But, when else can you do it with nutritional and mechanical support AND a finish line party?!!
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Epic Rider
Photo: Alisha Lacey
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Epic Rider
Photo: Alisha Lacey
A trailside party
Our aid stations give the MoCo Epic its community feel and grassroots flavor. We're lucky to partner with local bike shops, businesses, teams, and organizations who always go above and beyond to bring the party to the trail. Think hula dancers, inflatable flamingos, sausages hot off the grill, smoothies made on the spot, and Darius Mark's famous tomato sandwiches (everyone should try them). Last year, we had a DJ in the cornfield! Even if you've done the MoCo Epic multiple times, the aid stations make each experience unique.
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Aid Station
Photo: Comet Creation
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High Fives and Cookies
Photo: Comet Creation
A celebration of advocacy wins
It's hard to believe that just three decades ago, the only place to mountain bike in Montgomery County was the white trail in Schaeffer Farms. Thanks to the hard work of MORE members, advocates, and volunteers, there are now about 200 miles of public, sustainable, natural surface trails in the county. Not to mention, a total of 906 miles in 63 parks across the region. The MoCo Epic is a celebration of that success, the community that made it happen, and the partnerships with land managers we have developed over the years.
MORE members and volunteers not only work to help maintain MoCo’s trails, but also play a critical role in making the event happen. Photo: Alisha Lacey.
A way to give back to trails
The MoCo Epic is MORE's largest fundraiser. For the past five years, a portion of the proceeds have been used to improve Montgomery County trails. A major project underway is upgrading 3.5 miles of the Seneca Greenway trail and opening it to bikes. Proceeds have also helped finance a new trail at Patapsco, Frederick Watershed, River's Edge, Bacon Ridge, Lake Fairfax, Locust Shade, and Windy Ridge, among others.
This year’s event will continue with the tradition of putting your entry fees and donations towards making our regional trails better.
Be part of something Epic! Photo: Alisha Lacey.
Be a part of something Epic!
Register before August 1 to take advantage of the best MoCo Epic prices. MORE members get an additional $20 off Sunday rides.
Your epic adventure awaits!
Registration for the 2024 MoCo Epic on BikeReg.com.
Learn more about the Mid Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE).
Learn more about the MoCo Epic.