Mud, Sweat & Beers XVII: Smells Like Dirt Spirit
- Date Sat 1st May 2027
- Time 9:00AM EDT
- Location Traverse City, Michigan
- Price $12.10 - $65.25
- Races 22 races
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of dirt, sweat, and community spirit at Mud, Sweat & Beers XVII: Smells Like Dirt Spirit, taking place on Saturday, May 1, 2027, at Mt. Holiday in beautiful Traverse City, Grand Traverse. This iconic spring mountain bike race, now in its 17th year, promises to deliver high-energy excitement along the stunning trails overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. With a variety of race distances, participants can choose from the challenging 25-Mile Stout, the 12-Mile Pale Ale, and the fun-filled under 2-Mile Ginger Ale Kids Mini-Loop.
This year’s theme channels the nostalgic vibes of the '90s Pacific Northwest, encouraging riders to dust off their vintage bikes and embrace the spirit of old-school mountain biking. With nearly 1,000 riders and hundreds of spectators expected, the event is not just a race but a lively celebration of community and adventure. Local brews will be flowing, and families can enjoy a festive atmosphere, including a beer garden and live music, after cheering on the kids' races. Join in the fun and support a great cause, as all proceeds benefit Mt. Holiday, a beloved nonprofit recreation area that has been a
This year’s theme channels the nostalgic vibes of the '90s Pacific Northwest, encouraging riders to dust off their vintage bikes and embrace the spirit of old-school mountain biking. With nearly 1,000 riders and hundreds of spectators expected, the event is not just a race but a lively celebration of community and adventure. Local brews will be flowing, and families can enjoy a festive atmosphere, including a beer garden and live music, after cheering on the kids' races. Join in the fun and support a great cause, as all proceeds benefit Mt. Holiday, a beloved nonprofit recreation area that has been a
Organiser's Description
Mud, Sweat & Beers XVII returns to Mt. Holiday on May 1st, 2027, bringing nearly two decades of dirt, chaos, community, and springtime stoke back to the trails overlooking beautiful Grand Traverse Bay.
Known for its high-energy atmosphere, challenging courses, and legendary muddy finish chute, Mud, Sweat & Beers has become one of Michigans most iconic spring mountain bike races, drawing nearly 1,000 riders and hundreds of spectators each year. Since 2010, the event has raised more than $800,000 in support of Mt. Holiday and local nonprofit partners.
For year 17, were going full Pacific Northwest throwback. Think flannel, garage bands, muddy tires, and underground 90s mountain bike culture. This years theme channels the spirit of old-school Seattle grit and the era when mountain biking was loud, weird, and wonderfully unpolished.
Riders will start and finish at Mt. Holiday Ski & Recreational Area before heading out into the scenic VASA Trail system and returning for the stadium-style finish thats made MSB famous.
Participants can choose from:
25-Mile Stout
12-Mile Pale Ale
Under 2-Mile Ginger Ale
Kids Mini-Loop: Mud, Sweat & Root Beers
And yes, the Retro-Klunkers category returns, so dust off those 1990's rides, break out the flannel, and ride like its 1994.
Local brews will be flowing throughout the day as riders, families, and spectators celebrate another spring kickoff at the hill. Adult participants can stick around after their race to cheer on the kids events, enjoy the lodge and beer garden, and soak in one of Northern Michigans favorite community traditions.
All proceeds support Mt. Holiday, the Midwests only nonprofit 501(c)(3) ski and recreation area. Since 1949, Mt. Holiday has been built by the community, for the community, creating year-round outdoor experiences that bring people together through adventure, connection, and a little bit of mud.
Age groups are determined by the riders age on race day.
Race Categories
25-MILE STOUT CATEGORIES FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN:
Elite
Expert
Sport
Clydesdale/Athena
Tandem
Single Speed/Fixed
Tour (not timed)
Vintage Klunkers (Pre-1995 Mountain Bikes Only!)
12-MILE PALE ALE CATEGORIES FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN:
Sport
Beginner
Clydesdale/Athena
Tandem
Single Speed/Fixed
Tour (not timed)
Vintage Klunkers (Pre-1995 Mountain Bikes Only!)
Ginger Ale Grouped by age and gender, not timed.
ROOT BEER (KIDS RACE) GROUPED BY BOYS AND GIRLS:
6 and under
7 and over
Preliminary Schedule for 2026
Friday, May 1, 2026
Packet Pickup: Mt. Holiday, 47 PM
New for 2026! The Greater Michigan Ford Dealers Packet Pickup Party in the Mt. Holiday Beer Garden featuring The Headwaters Band!
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Race Day Packet Pickup: Mt. Holiday, 78:30 AM
Stout Race Start: 9 AM
Pale Ale Race Start: 9:30 AM
Ginger Ale Race Start: 12:30 PM (approx.)
Root Beer Day Registration: Mt. Holiday Lodge, 121 PM
Root Beer Race Start: 1 PM
Awards Presentations: 2 PM
Beer & Food Tent: 10 AM3 PM
All times and activities are subject to change.
Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be issued. Riders who need to cancel may donate their entry fee to Mt. Holiday (501c3) or transfer their registration to another rider. A $25 transfer fee is required, along with a completed registration and signed waiver. All transfer fees will be donated to the Mt. Holiday Scholarship Fund.
Known for its high-energy atmosphere, challenging courses, and legendary muddy finish chute, Mud, Sweat & Beers has become one of Michigans most iconic spring mountain bike races, drawing nearly 1,000 riders and hundreds of spectators each year. Since 2010, the event has raised more than $800,000 in support of Mt. Holiday and local nonprofit partners.
For year 17, were going full Pacific Northwest throwback. Think flannel, garage bands, muddy tires, and underground 90s mountain bike culture. This years theme channels the spirit of old-school Seattle grit and the era when mountain biking was loud, weird, and wonderfully unpolished.
Riders will start and finish at Mt. Holiday Ski & Recreational Area before heading out into the scenic VASA Trail system and returning for the stadium-style finish thats made MSB famous.
Participants can choose from:
25-Mile Stout
12-Mile Pale Ale
Under 2-Mile Ginger Ale
Kids Mini-Loop: Mud, Sweat & Root Beers
And yes, the Retro-Klunkers category returns, so dust off those 1990's rides, break out the flannel, and ride like its 1994.
Local brews will be flowing throughout the day as riders, families, and spectators celebrate another spring kickoff at the hill. Adult participants can stick around after their race to cheer on the kids events, enjoy the lodge and beer garden, and soak in one of Northern Michigans favorite community traditions.
All proceeds support Mt. Holiday, the Midwests only nonprofit 501(c)(3) ski and recreation area. Since 1949, Mt. Holiday has been built by the community, for the community, creating year-round outdoor experiences that bring people together through adventure, connection, and a little bit of mud.
Age groups are determined by the riders age on race day.
Race Categories
25-MILE STOUT CATEGORIES FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN:
Elite
Expert
Sport
Clydesdale/Athena
Tandem
Single Speed/Fixed
Tour (not timed)
Vintage Klunkers (Pre-1995 Mountain Bikes Only!)
12-MILE PALE ALE CATEGORIES FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN:
Sport
Beginner
Clydesdale/Athena
Tandem
Single Speed/Fixed
Tour (not timed)
Vintage Klunkers (Pre-1995 Mountain Bikes Only!)
Ginger Ale Grouped by age and gender, not timed.
ROOT BEER (KIDS RACE) GROUPED BY BOYS AND GIRLS:
6 and under
7 and over
Preliminary Schedule for 2026
Friday, May 1, 2026
Packet Pickup: Mt. Holiday, 47 PM
New for 2026! The Greater Michigan Ford Dealers Packet Pickup Party in the Mt. Holiday Beer Garden featuring The Headwaters Band!
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Race Day Packet Pickup: Mt. Holiday, 78:30 AM
Stout Race Start: 9 AM
Pale Ale Race Start: 9:30 AM
Ginger Ale Race Start: 12:30 PM (approx.)
Root Beer Day Registration: Mt. Holiday Lodge, 121 PM
Root Beer Race Start: 1 PM
Awards Presentations: 2 PM
Beer & Food Tent: 10 AM3 PM
All times and activities are subject to change.
Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be issued. Riders who need to cancel may donate their entry fee to Mt. Holiday (501c3) or transfer their registration to another rider. A $25 transfer fee is required, along with a completed registration and signed waiver. All transfer fees will be donated to the Mt. Holiday Scholarship Fund.
Races
-
Stout - Elite/Pro
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVThe Stout (25 miles or so) has everything you would want in a spring race - plenty of climbs and descents sprinkled along some of Michigan's best single track and the VASA Pathway. We call it Stout for a reason. -
Stout - Expert
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVThe Stout (25 miles or so) has everything you would want in a spring race - plenty of climbs and descents sprinkled along some of Michigan's best single track and the VASA Pathway. We call it Stout for a reason. -
Stout - Sport
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVThe Stout (25 miles or so) has everything you would want in a spring race - plenty of climbs and descents sprinkled along some of Michigan's best single track and the VASA Pathway. We call it Stout for a reason. -
Stout - Fat Bike
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVThe Stout (25 miles or so) has everything you would want in a spring race - plenty of climbs and descents sprinkled along some of Michigan's best single track and the VASA Pathway. We call it Stout for a reason. -
Stout - SS/Fixed
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVThe Stout (25 miles or so) has everything you would want in a spring race - plenty of climbs and descents sprinkled along some of Michigan's best single track and the VASA Pathway. We call it Stout for a reason. -
Stout - Clydesdale (200+ Lbs)
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOV200 lbs or greater The Stout (25 miles or so) has everything you would want in a spring race - plenty of climbs and descents sprinkled along some of Michigan's best single track and the VASA Pathway. We call it Stout for a reason. -
Stout - Athena (150+ Lbs)
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOV150 lbs or greater The Stout (25 miles or so) has everything you would want in a spring race - plenty of climbs and descents sprinkled along some of Michigan's best single track and the VASA Pathway. We call it Stout for a reason. -
Vintage - Klunkers (1990 - 1999 Mtn Bikes Only!)
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVPre-1995 bikes only! The Stout (25 miles or so) has everything you would want in a spring race - plenty of climbs and descents sprinkled along some of Michigan's best single track and the VASA Pathway. We call it Stout for a reason. -
Stout - Tandem
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVThe Stout (25 miles or so) has everything you would want in a spring race - plenty of climbs and descents sprinkled along some of Michigan's best single track and the VASA Pathway. We call it Stout for a reason. -
Stout - Tour
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVThe Stout (25 miles or so) has everything you would want in a spring race - plenty of climbs and descents sprinkled along some of Michigan's best single track and the VASA Pathway. We call it Stout for a reason. -
Pale Ale - Sport
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVThe Pale Ale (12 mile) will be perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and get outside after the long winter. The Pale Ale follows much of the same trail as the Stout so be sure to train for the same tough climbs and single track. -
Pale Ale - Beginner
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVThe Pale Ale (12 mile) will be perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and get outside after the long winter. The Pale Ale follows much of the same trail as the Stout so be sure to train for the same tough climbs and single track. -
Pale Ale - Clydesdale (200+ Lbs)
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOV200 lbs or greater The Pale Ale (12 mile) will be perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and get outside after the long winter. The Pale Ale follows much of the same trail as the Stout so be sure to train for the same tough climbs and single track. -
Pale Ale - Athena (150+ Lbs)
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOV150 lbs or greater The Pale Ale (12 mile) will be perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and get outside after the long winter. The Pale Ale follows much of the same trail as the Stout so be sure to train for the same tough climbs and single track. -
Pale Ale - SS/Fixed
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVThe Pale Ale (12 mile) will be perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and get outside after the long winter. The Pale Ale follows much of the same trail as the Stout so be sure to train for the same tough climbs and single track. -
Pale Ale - Fat Bike
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVThe Pale Ale (12 mile) will be perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and get outside after the long winter. The Pale Ale follows much of the same trail as the Stout so be sure to train for the same tough climbs and single track. -
Vintage - Klunkers (1990 - 1999 Mtn Bikes Only!)
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVPre-1995 bikes only! The Pale Ale (12 mile) will be perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and get outside after the long winter. The Pale Ale follows much of the same trail as the Stout so be sure to train for the same tough climbs and single track. -
Pale Ale - Tandem
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVThe Pale Ale (12 mile) will be perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and get outside after the long winter. The Pale Ale follows much of the same trail as the Stout so be sure to train for the same tough climbs and single track. -
Pale Ale - Unicycle
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVYes - we have a mountain unicycle participant. Amazing! -
Pale Ale - Tour
Incl. $5.25 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$65.25
OPENS 30 NOVThe Pale Ale (12 mile) will be perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and get outside after the long winter. The Pale Ale follows much of the same trail as the Stout so be sure to train for the same tough climbs and single track. -
Ginger Ale - 2 Miles
Incl. $2.44 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$17.44
OPENS 30 NOVGinger Ale will be grouped by age and gender and will not be timed. -
Root Beer - 1/4 Mile
Incl. $2.10 Fee
Sat 1st May 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
$12.10
OPENS 30 NOVRoot Beer entrants will be grouped by boys and girls in the following categories: * 6 and Under * 7 and over
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3100 Holiday Road, Traverse City, 49686, MI, United States
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Mud, Sweat & Beers XVII: Smells Like Dirt Spirit
