This weekend, the most difficult mountain bike race in the country is in Butte

The Butte 100 prepares for another challenging year on the Continental Divide.

The first Butte 100 event took place in 2007 with about 50 local riders taking part. Over the last 15 years, the numbers have swelled to over 520 riders this year over the three different races, the Butte 100, the Butte 50, and the Sorini 25.

The Butte 100 course consists of a figure-eight format on a north loop and south loop, guaranteeing riders never see the same trail twice. Racers start on the north loop which measures 52.2 miles and has over 6,000 feet of climbing. The north loop consists of a densely wooded area with buff packed dirt, progressing to decomposed granite, and eventually, a high-altitude desert environment slogging through heavy sand at times. The first portion of the race will test nearly every facet of pure mountain bike skill.

Once the riders cross back through the start/finish area, the south loop covers 47.5 miles, with epic amounts of single-track riding over the Continental Divide Trail. Over its 47 miles, the South Loop will test your lungs with an elevation gain of over 8500 feet!

Registrations for this year’s race come from 18 different states and provinces. The two provinces represented will be British Columbia and Alberta. Some of the states represented are no surprise, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Wyoming. But some are. There will be riders here from Maine, West Virginia, Florida, Michigan, and Oklahoma.

The Butte 100 doesn’t happen without an army of volunteers, namely the Neon Army. If you would like to help make this race happen you can email StephanieSorini@Butte100.com There are a bunch of different ways to help. The race needs course marshals, aid station volunteers, start/finish line volunteers, and a whole lot more. You can look at all the volunteering opportunities HERE.

Learn more about the Butte 100 on their WEBSITE, and keep up with everything Butte 100 related via their Facebook page