There’s a moment in every endurance race when the noise disappears.

Your breathing settles, the trail opens up in front of you, and the nerves are gone. Suddenly, you realize you’re doing something you once thought was impossible.

That’s exactly why more women are signing up for the California MTB Endurance Series this season. It’s not because it’s easy. Instead, endurance racing changes you.

And if there’s one race that perfectly captures that experience, it’s the legendary Fort Ord 50 by Repack Racing.

Held at the iconic Fort Ord National Monument near Monterey, California, the Fort Ord 50 has quickly become one of the most exciting marathon mountain bike events in the state.

The race is now an official stop in the California MTB Endurance Series, alongside events like the Six Sigma 60, Gold Rush Growler, and Central Coast Dirt 100.

The Race that Makes You Feel Fast

Fort Ord is famous in California mountain biking for several reasons, one being flow. One reason: flow.

The terrain is packed with fast hardpack, rolling singletrack, endless rhythm sections, and just enough climbing to keep riders honest. Unlike ultra-technical races that can intimidate newer endurance racers, Fort Ord rewards momentum, pacing, and confidence. It’s the kind of course where riders discover they’re capable of more than they imagined. California MTB Endurance Series

The featured distance is 50 miles, raced on a roughly 12.5-mile lap course with approximately 1,450 feet of climbing per lap. Riders can also choose 25-mile and 75-mile distances, plus duo relay options.  

For women considering their first endurance event, that flexibility matters.

You don’t have to be a professional racer to belong here.

You just need curiosity, determination, and a willingness to try.

Repack Racing is Changing the Culture

Part of what makes these events so different is the atmosphere created by Repack Racing.

Named after the legendary “Repack” downhill races in Fairfax widely considered a major part of mountain biking’s origin story the organization has built a reputation for creating inclusive, community-driven racing experiences throughout California.

That inclusivity is crucial.

Historically, women’s participation in endurance mountain biking has lagged behind shorter-format racing, but that’s changing rapidly. Across California, more women are moving from clinics, group rides, and local XC races into marathon and endurance events.

As a result, the California MTB Endurance Series is becoming one of the biggest gateways into that world.

The vibe is less intimidating than traditional elite-focused endurance racing. Riders range from first-time marathon racers to seasoned professionals. In addition, teams camp together, friends pit for each other, and riders cheer competitors on long after they finish their own races.

Because of that atmosphere, it feels more like a festival of endurance and inner strength than a sufferfest.

Why Women are Falling in Love with Endurance Racing

There’s something uniquely empowering about endurance mountain biking.

Unlike shorter races that emphasize explosive speed, endurance racing rewards strategy, patience, resilience, and mental strength. As a result, it becomes less about proving yourself to others and more about discovering what you’re capable of over hours in the saddle.

Many women thrive in that environment.

The pacing, the community support, the grit, and the ability to perform under pressure are all strengths that translate beautifully into endurance racing.

For first-time racers, Fort Ord is one of the best places to experience that transformation.

The course is fast enough to feel exciting but approachable enough to keep riders smiling. In addition, the relay format allows newer riders to enter with friends. The California MTB Endurance Series has also become one of the most supportive racing communities in the country.

The Athletes to Watch

One of the exciting things about the Fort Ord 50 is the growing level of competition.

Recent editions of the race have featured elite endurance riders and strong regional talent battling on the fast Monterey trails. Justin Robinson has been one of the standout names associated with the event, appearing prominently in race coverage and interviews surrounding the Fort Ord 50.  

But the real magic of this series is that the pros race alongside everyday riders.

You’ll see women racing their first 25-mile event lining up beside experienced marathon athletes. You’ll find moms racing solo after years away from competition. You’ll meet women who came from gravel, triathlon, downhill, or no racing background at all. California MTB Endurance Series

That blend of high-level racing and accessibility is rare.

Why You Should Sign Up Now

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to try endurance racing, this is it.

The California MTB Endurance Series isn’t just about racing bikes. It’s about becoming stronger, more confident, and more connected to the mountain bike community. California MTB Endurance Series

And there’s no better entry point than Fort Ord.

You’ll leave tired. Dusty. Probably smiling uncontrollably.

And somewhere between mile 30 and mile 50, you may discover a version of yourself you didn’t know existed.

Upcoming California MTB Endurance Series Events

• California MTB Endurance Series link to https://repackracing.com/ca-dirt-endurance-series
• Fort Ord 50 Registration link to https://repackracing.com/fort-ord-50
• Repack Racing Official Website https://repackracing.com/about

Ladies, the trails are waiting! 

Registration is now open for the BLM Blaze XC and the full 3CX Summer MTB Series.

Early Bird Special! Register by 5/19
at Midnight and Save $10!