HISTORY OF BIKE THE WILDS

The Bike the Wilds series began as 3 races, with 3 different promoter/race directors. The objective was to form a series and thus increase turnout, at 3 mostly rural races, each with its own unique flavor, races that would appeal particularly to mid pack Sport level riders like the founders. The original 3 races were the Fat Tire Challenge by Michael White, near Sigel, PA, the Shannock Valley Festival MTB race by Alan Scott, in Rural Valley, PA, and the Peanut Butter Festival MTB race by Kyle Hetrick, in New Bethlehem, PA.

The series has grown and now includes 9 races in 2022. Until a few years ago, all the BTW races were mountain bike races, but as gravel became popular, some of the BTW races became gravel races.

The “unique flavor” includes different classes and categories, different distances, different levels of difficulty, and different awards and swag. The races in the series have generally been tuned to mid pack Sport riders and Novices, with enough distance and difficulty to also challenge most Experts.

At the end of the season, we present awards to racers in three categories and a number of classes who have entered most of the races. All of the races are timed by Miles of Smiles and results can be found at www.smileymiles.com. Their archive goes back many years.

Most of the races are benefits for local fire departments, parks, or non-profits. Bike The Wilds has no paid employees.