Strider (U7) - Age 6 years and under as of December 31, 2023: The “Strider” category encompasses the youngest first-time mountain bike racers. Only those with strider and push bikes will be allowed to race in this category. The Striders Race will have a primary focus on fun, offering very few technical sections. Striders will race on the grass around pylons set up in an open field.
Little Pedalers (U7) - Age 6 years and under as of December 31, 2023: The “Little Pedaler” category is new this year, and also encompasses the youngest first-time mountain bike racers. This category was added specifically for kids who have graduated from a strider to a pedal bike, but not quite ready to race in the “Little Ripper” category. The Little Pedalers will have a primary focus on fun, offering no technical sections. Little Pedalers will race on both grass and a small section of dirt trail.
Little Rippers (U9) - Age 8 years and under as of December 31, 2023: The “Little Ripper” category also encompasses the youngest first-time mountain bike racers. The Little Rippers Race will have a primary focus on fun, offering very few technical sections.
Gnarly (U11 & U13) - Age 9-10 years & 11-12 years as of December 31, 2023: The “Gnarly” category is offered for beginners. Riders in this category will be first-time racers from all age groups and graduates from the “Little Rippers” race category. The emphasis of this racecourse will be fun, with mild technical sections to challenge the riders’ abilities and introduce them to mountain bike racing.
Geared (U15) - Age 13-14 years as of December 31, 2023: The “Geared” category is offered for riders who have tried a Trailblazers mountain bike race in the past and are looking for a new challenge. The emphasis of this race will be fun, with increased technical skills development. Riders in the Geared category will primarily be graduates from the Gnarly category and older first-time racers.
Dialed (U17) - Age 15-16 years as of December 31, 2023: The "Dialed" category is for older trailblazers. This category offers a mix of difficult climbs/descents and technical single-track sections.
