Keene Pumpkin Cross

Event Overview

Welcome to the 12th Annual Keene Pumpkin Cyclocross Race on Sunday, November 8th. The event is held at the Surry Mountain Recreation Area just outside of Keene in Southwest NH. The race is on Surry Mountain lake with beautiful hillside vistas during what is typically peak foliage for the region. The wildly popular course has a paved starting grid, run-ups, sand, barriers, a woods loop single track section, and many fast flowy sections. The course requires a great balance of bike handling and fitness but is not too challenging for juniors or novice racers. Keene Pumpkin Cross is part of the Eastern Collegiate Cycling Conference (ECCC) CX race series bringing collegiate racers from all over the Northeast.

We hope to return in 2026 as one of 8 races participating in the NESCX Single Speed Series!

We have put in a request to host the NH State Cyclocross Championships.

Junior and Kids Events

• Junior Friendly Event: A separate junior field & start time.
• Age Groupings: 3 cub junior age groupings for both boys & girls, a longer 15-18 race, and ½ price entry fees.
• Kids Fun Race: Bring out your younger non-racing kids (typically 10 or under) to enjoy a few laps on a smaller section of the course.
• Treats for Kids: Everyone gets a treat at the end, with no placing or podiums.

Support and Community

The race proceeds support the local Keene High School Nordic Ski Team. The majority of the race leadership and volunteers are athletes, parents, and friends of the local high school Nordic skiing community.

Social Media

Follow us on social media for event updates:

• Facebook
• X
• Instagram

Venue and Registration Information

• Opening Time: Venue will open at 7:00am.
• Pre-registration: Opens at 8:00am.
• Day Of Registration: Available with a $10 Day of fee.
• Multiple Entries: Second race entries are available for an additional $10.

Course Details

The course evolves every year but has proven to be a popular track over the past several years. The course is typically 2.5K in length requiring a balance of technical skills and pedaling fitness. Nothing is too challenging for juniors and novice riders. We run the course clockwise with a paved start, nice flowing hill section, 2 run ups, 1 technical descent, a fun wooded single track section, one set of barriers and a lot of sand. A little bit for everyone… There is a 2-sided pit but no water access for bike washing.

Food and Vendors

• Morning Refreshments: Bagels and coffee from The Works will be for sale in the morning.
• Lunch Options: The AlpineGlo Farm food truck will have lunch foods for sale during the day.

Directions to Event

From 91 (from Western MA or coming South): Exit at Brattleboro (Exit 3) for 9W toward Keene. Straight through roundabout. Continue on Rt.9 headed West until Rt 9 & 10 & 12 combine and turn left. Make left turn. At Y - stay on Rt 12. Take 1st exit (Maple Ave). Right at bottom of ramp. At roundabout, take 2nd exit (Rt 12A) toward Surry. Race will be at Surry Dam Beach. Turn right at Surry Dam Beach (venue) sign after a few miles.

From 12N (from Eastern/Central MA): When entering Keene, Rt12 will merge with Rt10 - turn left at stoplight. Follow signs to stay on Rt12. Will turn right at stoplight in a few miles. At Y, stay on Rt12 (left). Take 1st exit (Maple Ave). Turn right at bottom of exit. At roundabout take 2nd exit onto 12A North toward Surry. Race is at Surry Dam Beach. Turn right at sign into Surry Dam Beach (venue) in a few miles.

From Rt9 South (from Concord/Central NH toward Keene): Before entering Keene, take Rt 12 North exit (follow signs). Take 1st exit off of Rt 12 (Maple Ave). Turn Right at bottom of exit. At roundabout, take 2nd exit onto Rt12A toward Surry. Follow for several miles to Surry Dam Beach (you will see sign). Turn right at sign into Surry Dam Beach (venue).

Registration Link

For more information and to register, visit: Keene Pumpkin Cross Registration.