York 38 Special

  • Date Mon 1st June 2026 - Sat 15th August 2026
  • Time 6:00AM MDT
  • Location Helena, Montana
  • Price $17.37 - $54.40
  • Races 6 races
  • Distances Ultra

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Event summary

Get ready for the exhilarating York 38 Special, taking place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in the stunning Helena, Lewis and Clark area! This annual fundraiser for the local volunteer fire department promises an unforgettable experience as participants navigate breathtaking landscapes through the Big Belt Mountains. Cyclists can choose from three exciting race options: the challenging 38-mile Bear Trap and Trout Creek routes, both featuring rugged terrain and stunning mountain overlooks, or the Spirit of 76 race, which includes two loops around the scenic Trout Creek route for those seeking an ultimate challenge.

With a vertical climb of at least 3,000 feet, riders will be treated to incredible views, creek crossings, and well-placed aid stations staffed by volunteers and medical personnel for added safety. For families and casual cyclists, the Lucky 13 ride offers a moderate out-and-back route to Vigilante Campground, with a mix of paved and unpaved paths. Plus, for those unable to join us in person, a virtual race option is available, allowing participants to complete a 38-mile stretch at their convenience and submit their times online. Join us for a day of adventure, community spirit, and unforgettable memories at the York 38 Special!

Organiser's Description

YORK 38 SPECIAL

The York Community is excited to announce this years York 38 Special is Saturday, August 15. The 38 Special is our volunteer fire departments annual fundraiser.



The 38 Special bike race features three race options, each traversing spectacular scenery through the Big Belt Mountains. The course includes incredible mountain overlooks, rugged canyons, and three creek crossings.



The 38-mile race includes the Bear Trap and Trout Creek options. Both routes are on gravel and dirt single track roads, gaining at least 3,000 vertical feet. The Trout Creek option includes the beautiful Trout Creek Canyon single track route. Riders choosing the Bear Trap route will climb an extra 1,000 feet on rugged single track, then drop 2,000 feet back on to York Road. The Spirit of 76 race is two loops around the Trout Creek route for the ultimate challenge! Six aid stations are spread throughout the course, and each is staffed with volunteers and emergency medical personnel.



A family ride is offered, the Lucky 13, which is a moderate out and back route to Vigilante Campground. About half of the route is paved. An Aid station & porta potty are available on this route as well!



UPDATED START TIMES - All SPIRIT OF 76 and YORK 38 SPECIAL TROUT CREEK and BEAR TRAP riders may start at 6 am and must start by 8 am. No numbers will be issued after 8 am. Any rider that starts later than 8 am and has no number will be considered unsupported. Lucky 13 riders may start between 9 and 10 am.



We also offer a virtual option for those who cannot make race day.

YORK 38 SPECIAL VIRTUAL RACE

REGISTER [https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/Helena/York38Special]
Racers must submit times by Aug. 14th. SUBMIT VIRTUAL RESULTS [https://runsignup.com/Race/RegistrationLookup/?raceId=74811&renderMode=results_mode]
Here's how it works:

Select any 38-mile stretch to complete your virtual bike race. Track your time and route with a GPS app and submit via our website link. We're also featuring a "combo race" for multi-talented athletes. For this race, track your times and locales for each section and submit your files and photos via our website link.



Plaques will be awarded to male and female winners in the following categories:
_SCREAMIN' FAST 38-MILE RACE_ (Fastest time)

_BUSTA HUMP 38-MILE RACE_ (Most elevation gain)

And finally, the

_AWESOME FITNESS JUNKIE COMBO_
38 miles of your choice including multiple disciplines, i.e. bike, run, hike, swim, paddleboard, skydive, etc. in the same week! (Ok, we're just kidding on the skydiving, but you get the point).



All Virtual participants receive a swag bag.



If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at [email protected].

Thank you,
York 38 Special Volunteers

Races

  • York 38 Special - Trout Creek

    Incl. $4.40 Fee & Tech Shirt

    Sat 15th August 2026 (6:00AM MDT)

    $54.40

    A challenging and exciting mountain bike ride covering 38 miles of breathtaking scenery. On the York 38 Special, you will gain 3,000 vertical feet from the lowest point of the ride (Nelson), traveling mainly on dirt roads and single track. Riders may start at 6:00 AM and must start NO LATER THAN 8 AM. No numbers will be assigned after 8 AM and any rider starting late and without a number will be considered an unsupported rider.
  • York 38 Special - Bear Trap

    Incl. $4.40 Fee & Tech Shirt

    Sat 15th August 2026 (6:00AM MDT)

    $54.40

    Start out on the traditional route, then for those looking for more challenges, veer right to Beartrap Gulch, which features another climb with a fast single-track descent. Riders may start at 6:00 AM and must start NO LATER THAN 8 AM. No numbers will be assigned after 8 AM and any rider starting late and without a number will be considered an unsupported rider.
  • Spirit of 76 Cyclocross

    Incl. $4.40 Fee & Tech Shirt

    Sat 15th August 2026 (6:00AM MDT)

    $54.40

    Go around the 38-mile Trout Creek loop twice - twice the scenery, twice the fun! Riders start at 6:00 AM.
  • York 38 Special Virtual Ride, Run or Walk

    Incl. $4.40 Fee & Swag Bag

    $54.40

    This is an UNSUPPORTED RIDE! Your registration fee includes a t-shirt. Ride, run or walk the York 38 Special route or any 38 mile route ANYTIME between June 14th and August 14th and submit your time for special prizes!! Please do NOT ride the York 38 route between August 15th and August 16th, as we will be setting up the ride. Awards - TBD
  • Lucky 13 Family Bike Ride, Individual

    Incl. $2.37 Fee

    Sat 15th August 2026 (9:00AM MDT)

    $17.37

    A gentle 6.5 climb from York, MT to Vigilante Trail head and back for 13 miles round trip. A terrific time for all ages! Your registration includes the swag bag WITHOUT the t-shirt, and a sheet of vintage York 38 Special decals! Riders will start on their own between 9 and 10 AM.
  • Lucky 13 Family Bike Ride, Family of 3 or More

    Incl. $3.24 Fee

    Sat 15th August 2026 (9:00AM MDT)

    $33.24

    A gentle 6.5 climb from York, MT to Vigilante Trail head and back for 13 miles round trip. A terrific time for all ages! Your registration includes 2 swag bags WITHOUT the t-shirts, and 2 sheets of vintage York 38 Special decals! Riders will start on their own between 9 and 10 AM.

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Location

York Fire Rescue, 6042 Nelson Road, Helena, 59602, MT, United States

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