March 2024: Sedona Mountain Bike Fest

Held annually in March the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, Arizona, the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival attracts visitors from all over, including Austin Texas from where we made our trek a la Southwest AUS -> PHX and drove the rest of the way, with our bikes in tow.

It doesn't really even need to be said, but Sedona is a mecca for mountain bikers, and I’ve described it previously as a favorite destination. 

This three day festival celebrates all things mountain biking. From world-class athletes to casual riders, there is something for everyone. Pro riders, influencers, apparel makers, big brands, etc.

In case you've thought about traveling there, I'm sharing my experience in 2024 as an input. Though we probably won't return every year, I love Sedona so I definitely seeing it happen again in the future.

Here's my recap

Expo

Explore the latest mountain bike gear, accessories, and apparel from top brands. Test ride the newest bikes and find the perfect setup for your riding style. Lots of mechanics there to help you out. The expo is where all the brands collect- the fest HQ. You can shop there, and sign up for giveaways, but one of the big reasons people go is to try out the new crop of bikes.

Get there early if you want to be first in line for a demo bike. When the gates open, get ready to see people running to vendor tents (and you may choose to do this as well). I watched a guy trip on a tree root and have to go to the medical tent before setting foot on a bike. So be careful out there. When you sign up for one, you get it for half a day. You can take it on any trail you want and ride the hell out of it. It's really great.

Sedona Mountain Bike Fest - The morning line to get in

More about Demo Bikes

I was surprised at how many bikes are available - not sure why since it is Sedona MTB Fest! My concern they wouldn't have enough xs bikes to fit my five foot tall frame were completely unfounded. As a smaller rider, it can be challenging to find them in local bike shops and I always have to special order.

However, there were plenty available and I ended up riding bikes from Yeti, Pivot, Santa Cruz and others. Amazing!

Shuttled Rides

Experience some of Sedona's most iconic trails with “free” (included with your pass) shuttles to the trailheads.

This is a huge perk. Be aware that when you're shuttled out, there is not always going to be one available to take you back to the festival grounds. So we ended up booking it across town.

Sedona!

Even with the trek back, this is great because at different skill levels my husband and I could split off and meet back, without having to figure out our own transportation.

He was able to try some of the more expert level trails (Hiline), and because of the shuttles and the fest going on in general I knew there would be other riders around in case something went sideways. I was also free to explore on my own (Slim Shady).

Skills Clinics: Improve your riding skills with expert instruction from experienced mountain bike coaches.

The skills clinics were great. I met some fun, fellow female riders at a women’s only ride with Joanna Yates sponsored by Dharco. I love Joanna Yates! If you are not familiar she is a super positive and supportive coach. She is not going to tell you to just Yeet it off the side of a cliff. Definitely recommend following her on IG. 

JY doing her thing

Live Music and Entertainment: Enjoy live music, beer, and food at the festival's vibrant social scene.

We had fun just hanging out at the fest. The bands play against a beautiful backdrop, there is great food, prize giveaways, etc.

Film Festival: Immerse yourself in the world of mountain biking through inspiring films and documentaries.

We had the incredible opportunity to attend the Freehub PRESENTS: A Mountain Bike Film. Amazing cinematography, bike tricks and very cool, inspiring stories.

Group Rides

We did a few group rides, one of them being a demo of some cool e-bike technology where the bike pretty much rode itself, with Shimano. Also got to ride with a pro. 

Group rides are one of the features of a big mountain bike festival, and I haven’t figured out whether I actually like them. Am I the only one who thinks the fun of mountain biking increases with a handful of people and greatly decreases the more people you add? Anyway. 

These rides offer a chance to explore unfamiliar trails and meet cool people, but they can be fairly chaotic so be ready to enter with a patient mindset. At the risk of being negative, not everyone on the ride is someone you would have chosen to ride with. Also, at Sedona the number of participants can far exceed the ride limits, leading to crowded trails and a bit of a free-for-all safety-wise. Many of the participants in the group do not have accurate reads on their skill sets, and there is a lot of jockeying to get to the front. 

One of the riders on the Jeff Lenosky ride kept yelling “Do a wheelie!!” over and over. Ok, we get it dude! There are the ego driven shenanigans on narrow single track, and men attending women's only rides. So, yes, there’s just all the stuff you'd imagine when lots of people show up. And the trails are just mobbed.

Unfortunately, during one of the cluster f that is descending on the Adobe Jack trail system in a long line of bikers, a wash out left me seeking medical attention at the festival's well-equipped medic tent. The staff was great, and fixed me up very quickly. 

Wrap up

All that said, it's just a fun time.

Beyond the organized events, Sedona itself is a mountain biking paradise. With its diverse trail network, stunning scenery, and challenging terrain, it's no wonder why it attracts riders from all over the world. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, you'll find trails that suit your skill level and preferences.

The Sedona Mountain Bike Festival is a truly unforgettable experience. If you're a mountain biking enthusiast, I recommend adding this festival to your bucket list.