RIDE THE BLACK HILLS SINGLE TRACK~
3 DISTANCES TO CHOOSE FROM~
EPIC, MARATHON, SPRINT
The July 7th 2018 Tatanka Mountain Bike Race is shaping up to be Black Hills Trails best event yet as the race has truly come home. Sturgis, South Dakota is known worldwide as the "City of Riders". A brand new course for 2018, decades in the making, showcases multiple loops that will start and end right from downtown Sturgis. Riders will race right through town with neutral aid on Sturgis's legendary Main Street between each unique loop.
We are pleased to be included in both the National Ultra Endurance (NUE) Epic and Marathon Series again for 2018. Beginners and the future of the sport are not forgotten either, with the inclusion of a shorter Sprint race and youth racing options.
The Tatanka Epic is an 80+ mile adventure that climbs through forest, rails across prairie, and confronts riders with challenges and epic single-track descents that are impossible to forget.
The Tatanka Marathon is 35+ miles and represents the hardcore locals favorite "big ride" that still leaves enough energy to enjoy a tasty brew or two. The Marathon shares its main loop with the Epic distance
Tatanka is hosted by and is a major fundraiser for Black Hills Trails, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to connect local communities with beautiful ribbons of dirt. Thanks to a huge amount of effort by Black Hills Trails volunteers, the City of Sturgis, Bureau of Land Management, and an incredible final push by the Forest Service it is our great privilege to present an entirely new course for 2018. While the iconic Mt. Rushmore start is now in the past, so is the long shuttle ride and laundry list of rules. The new clover-leaf style course with Sturgis at the center is just as big, just as epic, just as challenging, but way more fun, more safe, and the new spectator-friendly format means you will want to bring your family along.
Exact distances, maps, and elevation profiles forthcoming.
The post-event meal and awards will be part of a festival atmosphere right at the race finish line. Live music, kid’s activities and good times will round out a great day to be outside! Registration is open now, there are generous price breaks for those who commit early. Based on last year’s growth the 2018 Tatanka is anticipated to sell out!
Camping is available a short spin from the start/finish line. Sign up early, sign up often!
