If you’ve ever dreamed of a weekend that combines everything you love about riding, gravel, singletrack, epic climbs, flowy descents, camping under the stars, and a festival vibe, then Mountains to Meadows Endurofest is calling your name. I had the pleasure of talking with Nicole Formosa, Marketing and Communications Manager for Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS), about what riders can expect, and let me tell you: this is one experience you don’t want to miss.
Two Days, Two Worlds of Riding
The weekend kicks off Friday, September 12, with packet pickup, the vendor village, and a 4:30 pm Grinduro shakedown ride, made possible thanks to the support of Schwalbe. Music and a little festival fun help shake out the nerves before the big rides begin. Nicole says, “Friday should be fun. Maybe some race nerves for people, but it should be fun.”
Saturday brings the Grinduro, a gravel-focused endurance ride with 53 miles and 7,300 feet of climbing, featuring four timed segments. Nicole explains, “Grinduro is more gravel-like…you could certainly ride a hardtail mountain bike, but it’s primarily a gravel course with one big singletrack descent.” And for anyone worried about keeping pace or feeling intimidated, here’s a pro tip: “You can ride whatever pace you want and with whoever you want in the transfer stages. Then when you get to the timed segments, you go off individually.” Translation: ride your own adventure, but still challenge yourself when you want to.
Sunday is the Mount Hough Enduro, a mountain bike-focused day with a mix of blue-flow trails, climbs, and descents. Depending on your category, you’ll ride anywhere from 19 miles with 2,700 feet of climbing in Beginner, up to 38 miles and 5,700 feet in the Pro category. Nicole assures riders, “ you don’t necessarily need a full-face helmet and full pads. It’s approachable… you can show up in more of a trail-riding setup.” That’s music to my ears because, as women riders, we often worry that Enduro means full-on Enduro World Series intensity—but here, it’s about fun, flow, and freedom.
A Festival on Two Wheels
One of the best parts? This isn’t just racing. It’s a celebration of mountain biking and cycling culture. Nicole shares, “We’ll have live music, campfires, food trucks, vendors, and a handmade bike builder showcase. There’s sort of an art aspect to it, too.” From handmade Retrotec and Mosaic bikes to a photo booth at the finish line, this weekend is as much about community and creativity as it is about riding. And yes, there’s a swimming hole to jump in if it’s hot, though it won’t be quite as rowdy as the river jump in Downieville.
Women on the Rise
Nicole tells me, “Right now, about 17% of registrants are women. That’s in line with some of our other events, and we’re really focusing on making our races more inclusive and fun for women.” And the environment is supportive. Grinduro’s non-competitive rollout to Stage 1 means no pressure to keep up with a pack, and Enduro’s transfer stages let you ride with friends, make new ones, and enjoy the adventure. I love this because, as Nicole points out, “Especially at an enduro, you have so much non-competitive time that it’s fun to make a friend out there.”
For women thinking about doing it for the first time, there are options for every comfort level—even e-bike categories, which can ease the endurance challenge without taking away from the experience. Nicole says, “Just having a little boost opens it up… it makes it a little more inclusive for people coming back from injury, postpartum riders, or anyone who just wants to enjoy it.”
Tips from a Female Rider’s Perspective
As someone who has done her share of races and back-to-back days in the saddle, here’s my take:
- Train for endurance, but not stress. Practice big rides back-to-back so your body knows how to recover. Nicole emphasizes, “Dialing in your recovery and nutrition is huge. Make sure your camping setup is comfortable.”
- Bike setup matters. Gravel bikes for Grinduro, full-suspension for Mount Hough, and check those tires, brakes, and chains. Nicole notes, “Yuba Expeditions will be on site to help with any questions.”
- Have fun with others. Riding with friends—or even gluing to someone stronger for a stretch—makes climbing and long days more enjoyable. Nicole says, “Ride with whoever you want, it’s about fun as much as competition.”
- Expect beauty, adventure, and flow. You’ll see mossy forests, sparkling creeks, and miles of singletrack that will make you forget how hard you’re working. As I told Nicole, “There’s something about ripping through creeks and trails and feeling totally alive and safe, with people flying all around. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Your Invitation to Race
Mountains to Meadows is more than a race. It’s two days of endurance, festival vibes, stunning scenery, community, and it’s all for a good cause: Proceeds from Mountains to Meadows benefit race organizer Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, the nonprofit that’s been building trails on Mt. Hough for the past decade in partnership with the Plumas National Forest In that time, SBTS has been some 70 miles of singletrack on Hough, which racers in both events will get to experience. It’s approachable for beginners, challenging for experienced riders, and inclusive for women ready to push their limits. Whether you’re on a gravel bike, mountain bike, or e-bike, this weekend is your chance to ride, celebrate, and make lifelong memories.
Nicole sums it up best: “It’s really about putting money back into the trails, showcasing our work, and giving everyone a fun, memorable weekend.”
So, grab your bike, pack your gear, and get ready to ride from the mountains to the meadows. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Online registration closes on Thursday, September 11 at 5 pm PST, however you may still be able to register in person. Register here.
