York 38 Special

PLEASE READ - UPDATE 7/26/2024

Our community recently survived the Horse Gulch Fire, which burned over 15,000 acres and caused a tremendous strain on our community and resources. As a result of the fire, parts of the National Forest remain closed, including a portion of the 38 Special course. Due to these factors, along with the ongoing threat of fire danger, continued high heat and poor air quality, our team has made the difficult decision to take the race virtual. We've extended the registration period to August 31, and participants will have until September 15th to submit times (details forthcoming). As always, racers will compete for an awesome homemade plaque and will also receive a swag bag.  

If you have already registered and do not wish to participate in the virtual race, we can defer your registration fee to next year. All race proceeds go directly to supporting York Fire Rescue in their ongoing efforts to protect our community. The summer and additional threats to our area are far from over and we appreciate those who donate their race fees even if they are unable to participate or defer. Due to the unusual circumstances this year, if you cannot participate and do not want to donate your registration fee, we will refund if you request it.

York 38 Special Virtual Race 

Oh, the Possibilities!

Register
We've extended the Virtual Race registration period to Aug. 31. Racers must submit times by Sept. 15th.  Submit Virtual Results
Here's how it works:
1) Let us know you'd like your registration switched to the Virtual race and we'll change it. 
2) Select any 38-mile stretch to complete your virtual bike race. Track your time and route with a GPS app and submit via our website link. We're also featuring a "combo race" for multi-talented athletes. For this race, track your times and locales for each section and submit your files and photos via our website link. 

Plaques will be awarded to male and female winners in the following categories: 
Screamin' Fast 38-Mile Race (Fastest time)
Busta Hump 38-Mile Race (Most elevation gain)
And finally, the
Awesome Fitness Junkie Combo
38 miles of your choice including multiple disciplines, i.e. bike, run, hike, swim, paddleboard, skydive, etc. in the same week! (Ok, we're just kidding on the skydiving, but you get the point).

All Virtual participants receive a swag bag. Award and swag bag pickup is Sept. 26 from 5:00-8:00 at Missouri River Brewing in East Helena. We will mail awards and swag bags to virtual race participants who can't attend the pickup party.
 If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at york38specialmt@gmail.com.
 
Thank you, 
York 38 Special Volunteers

______________________________________________________________________

Course Description  - Thirty-eight miles along spectacular scenery, through the Big Belt Mountains, beautiful canyons and three creeks!  This amazing ride includes varied terrain on gravel, asphalt road, and single track.  Challenge yourself or take it easy and enjoy the views!

Bear Trap and Trout Creek routes  - A challenging and exciting mountain bike ride covering 38 or 76 miles of breathtaking scenery. On the York 38 Special or the Spirit of 76, you will gain 3,000 vertical feet from lowest point of the ride (Nelson), traveling mainly on dirt roads and single track.  Six Aid stations with our famous homemade goodies & porta potties are spread throughout the course.

VIRTUAL RIDE!  Can't make race day but still want to participate?  Ride (or run or walk!) the York 38 route or any 38 mile route between June 15th and August 31st and submit your time for special prize categories!  All activities must be recorded and verified using your choice of GPS tracking app or software (Strava, Garmin Connect, Suunto, etc). Riders must submit their times via the Results Tab by 11:59pm on September 15, 2024 to be considered eligible for awards.   

Lucky 13 Family Ride - The Lucky 13 route is 13 miles, approximately 6.5 miles along York Road, from York to Vigilante Campground, around the campground loop, and back to York. About half of the route is paved.   An Aid station & porta potty are available on this route as well!

UPDATED START TIMES - Start times - Spirit of 76 riders may start at 6 am.  York 38 Special riders (both routes) may start at 6:30 am and must start by 8 am.  No numbers will be issued after 8 am.  Any rider that starts later than 8 am and has no number will be considered unsupported.  Lucky 13 riders may start between 9 and 10 am.