Downieville Classic Bike Race Returns August 9

DOWNIEVILLE — The Downieville Classic mountain bike race is returning, with its two marquee races taking place August 9 and 10. The cross-country race on Saturday sees riders climb 3,000 feet from the start line in Sierra City to Packer Saddle before descending back down to Downieville. Last year’s winner, Keegan Swenson, made the climb in 46 minutes and 28 seconds, finishing with a time of 1:58:08. Sunday’s downhill race starts at Packer Saddle and takes a more direct route to Downieville. Last year, Swenson also secured the fastest time on Sunday of 44:14.7 – an average speed of 20.3 miles per hour.

As usual, the race is accompanied by a plethora of activities on Downieville’s Main Street, beginning on Thursday, when a Dance Party with DJ Coop Da Loop will be held from 8 to 9 PM, followed by a “Downieville Dance Off” at 9 PM. On Friday afternoon, the beverage garden near the Community Hall opens from 3 to 7 PM. The most anticipated non-race events take place Saturday afternoon, when, at around 4 PM, Ron’s House of Adult Big Air River Jump and Cast-Off takes place – riders will be launching themselves off a ramp into the Yuba/Downie River confluence. The river jump is followed by the Log Pull World Championship Competition at around 6:30 PM. Saturday is capped off by live music at the stage next to the Community Hall from 8 – 10 PM.