Grateful 2026 (An XC Race)

Grateful (An XC Race)

WE'RE SO BACK!

Welcome to Memphremagog Trails—quietly home to some of the best singletrack in the region. Once again home to Grateful, this XC mountain bike race is equally challenging and accessible at a fraction of the cost of typical cycling events!

The Course!

A freshly-updated 10-mile loop of pure singletrack magic:

• Fast descents: Flowing, machined descents
• Tight tech: Tight, twisty tech (watch out for roots and tight trees…. It's old-school tech at its finest)
• Elevation gain: Over 1,300 ft of elevation gain per lap
• Challenge: Designed to challenge and reward riders of all levels.

Race It or Ride It!

You choose your vibe:

• Race 1 Lap: A solid test of skill and stamina
• Race 2 Laps: ENDURANCE….We like a little bit of crazy
• Party Pace Option: No timing —ride the course at your own speed, soak up the views. Enjoy the full race-day atmosphere without any pressure.
• Kids Race/Ride: Free youth race/ride for new riders. Group leaders will lead the next generation through the youth course, ending at the same finish line as the racers. Adults should plan to ride with their kids.

Grateful is built on a “No Pressure, No Prejudice” mindset—welcoming all genders and abilities at an affordable cost.

The After-Party

After the ride, enjoy delicious local food trucks, live music, and the unbeatable energy of the Northeast Kingdom community. Local artisans will be at the on-site farmers market, and the pump track and skills area will be open to all ages. Bring the family and make a day of it.

2026 Cause

This year, Grateful will be recognizing our friend Anthony Moccia—co-founder of Rasputitsa and an early force behind Grateful, and a dedicated member of the Northeast Kingdom community. His leadership and generosity helped shape the inclusive riding culture we all value today.

In his honor, proceeds from Grateful will support the Halo Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families navigating cancer treatment, and Little Bellas, an organization that creates a community to empower women through cycling.

Our Story

Founded in 2021, Grateful has become a defining event in the Northeast Kingdom. Built on inclusion and connection, it brings together experienced riders and those new to the sport in a welcoming, challenging environment. At its core, Grateful is about community. Through local partnerships and a commitment to giving back, the event has donated over $15,000 in the past five years to organizations that strengthen this place we call home.

Past and Future Events!

Want a sense of what to expect? Check out this video!

Curious about the course? Here is the GPX file from 2025 (note…this course will be slightly different in 2026).

Interested in more XC racing in the NEK? Head over to Victory Hill and sign up for the Circumvictory! All Grateful participants get a special entry discount code!

Event Details

Date: 2026-10-10

Location: 3600 Darling Hill Rd, Newport, VT

Visit the race page for more information.