News & Press Releases
May 7, 2019
24 Hours of Great Glen New England’s Premier Mountain Bike Race Returns For 2020!
Pinkham Notch, NH — For two decades, mountain bikers from across the country ventured to the base of Mount Washington in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire to compete in the 24 Hours of Great Glen. This epic, round-the-clock race was the first of its kind in New England, following a specially-designed course at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center with a mixture of fast-paced gravel carriage roads and technical single track. First held in 1995 with a modest 11 teams, the event steadily grew to more than 180 teams and 500 participants for its last running in 2015.
Pinkham Notch, NH — For two decades, mountain bikers from across the country ventured to the base of Mount Washington in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire to compete in the 24 Hours of Great Glen. This epic, round-the-clock race was the first of its kind in New England, following a specially-designed course at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center with a mixture of fast-paced gravel carriage roads and technical single track. First held in 1995 with a modest 11 teams, the event steadily grew to more than 180 teams and 500 participants for its last running in 2015.
Since then we’ve fielded hundreds of phone calls and pleas from the mountain biking community asking when the hallmark event would return. However, we were never able to give them a straight answer . . . until now.
After a five-year hiatus, the 24 Hours of Great Glen will return on August 8-9, 2020 for its 21st running. As in past years, the event will attract a broad range of competitors, from expert racers to average cyclists, and to families looking for the ultimate weekend mountain bike getaway. In fact, we’ll also be bringing back the 24 Minutes of Great Glen for kids of all ages—a fun-filled part of the weekend, which included over 80 participants in 2015.
Most competitors will choose to tackle the 24-Hour course with teams of friends or family, but some hardcore riders will seek the ultimate challenge of riding the race solo. Either way, all those involved will experience much more than just the race—this is an event which will celebrate mountain bike culture and camaraderie in a festive and fun environment. The theme will be “Back to the Land of Oz,” based on the classic Wizard of Oz, and will include music, costumes, bike expos, friendly contests, camping and food trucks.
This amazing event could not be possible without the support of its many volunteers and sponsors, including its title sponsor Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewing Company (www.moatmountain.com). Owners Steve Johnson and Vicky Valentino have a long history with the 24 Hours of Great Glen, and are thrilled to see the race return:
“As past participants and vendors, we are so excited to have the opportunity to partner with Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center to bring this amazing event back to the community! The setting and atmosphere is world-class and appeals to such a broad spectrum of people who all come together to form a special bond over the course of the weekend. We hope to add value as the title sponsor to make this the best 24 yet! We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewing Company's 20th anniversary.”
Registration for the Moat Mountain 24 Hours of Great Glen will begin on January 1, 2020 and will be limited to 450 riders. Race details and registration information will be added to our website in the coming months (www.GreatGlenTrails.com). We hope you can join us as we journey Back to the Land of Oz.