Session 4
Tussey Mountain MTB Race
December 3, 2023
STATS
DISCIPLINE: Mountain Bike
MILAGE: 19.6 Miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,736 ft
RECORD TIMES: Nathan Surowiec 1:46:40 (M – 2021) / Brianna Bair 2:12:28 (W – 2021)
LOCATION: Tussey Mountain, Boalsburg, PA
TOTAL REGISTRATION LIMIT: 300
Don’t miss out on the late-season Tussey Mountain MTB Race session of Seasons of Rothrock and finish the year strong. This race is an opportunity to make new friends in a unique grassroots mountain biking culture while testing your skills on a challenging course.
Session IV takes you to Tussey Mountain’s famous and infamous trails including Three Bridges, Lonberger, Tussey Mountain Ridge Trail, Leniency Trail, and the Double Black John Wert Path. Complete with challenging climbs, fast fun descents, and technical terrain, this course is both demanding and pleasurable, and won’t leave you broke or hungry.
Happy Valley Women’s Cycling will host registration and awards. Stop by and say “hello” to the ladies and join us for a raucous awards ceremony at the finish line.
Following the ride, it’s time to celebrate with a PARTY at Tussey Mountain Lodge. This is when we crown the King and Queen of the Seasons of Rothrock Race Series (must compete in max distance of all 4 races in 2023 to qualify). Come wearing your most festive attire: hats, antlers, and ugly sweaters. Socialize with new friends and experience a cycling culture unique to this series.
Complimentary tickets for a beer and meal are available for registered racers and volunteers. Past menus have included gooey Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, hearty Tomato Basil Soup, and an Axemann Brewery Blue Stripe at the beer tap. Additional food and beverages will also be available at Tussey Bar & Kitchen.
Online Registration Opens:
Sunday, Oct 1, 2023 @ 12:15 AM ET

2022 Winners:

Start/Finish Location
301 Bear Meadows Rd
Boalsburg, PA 16827
Near the Galbraith Gap parking lot at the base of the ski slopes. This area includes public restrooms.
Registration
Pre-register: $60
Day of Race registration $70.
8:00am – 10:30am
Packet pick up will be the morning of the race at Tussey Mountain.
Race Day Schedule
11:00am: Race start
1:00pm: Finish line after race social time w/ beverages.
2:00pm: Podium and Cash payouts.
Race Categories
Gentlemen Expert Open (Cash Prizes)
Gentlemen Expert 40+
Gentlemen Expert 50+
Gentlemen Expert 60+
Gentlemen Expert Single Speed
Gentlemen Expert Clydesdale (200lbs+)
Gentlemen Expert Youth (U18)
Ladies Expert Open (Cash Prizes)
Ladies Expert 40+
Ladies Expert 50+
Ladies Expert 60+
Ladies Expert Single Speed
Ladies Expert Athena (160lbs+)
Ladies Expert Youth (U18)
Non-Binary
Class 1 E-Bike/Adaptable
Course Info
Session IV: Tussey Mountain MTB Race
Distance: 19.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,736 ft
Complete Course: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37632146
Race within the Race
Check out these 2 Strava Segments. You must upload to Strava by 2:00 pm.
Race the Ridge Segment: www.strava.com/segments/30239979
Race the Enduro Segment: www.strava.com/segments/30412967
Tussey Mountain MTB Race Details
In this final session of Seasons of Rothrock, you’ll hit some of Pennsylvania’s most challenging trails within the picturesque backdrop of the forest in late fall. This is where the thrill of mountain biking meets the natural beauty and wilderness of Rothrock State Forest.
As the late autumn leaves crunch beneath your tires, you’ll find yourself on a journey like no other. You’ll traverse ridges, cross streams, and wind through thickets of trees, each section requiring different skills and techniques. The twists and turns will require quick reflexes and precise handling, making for an adrenaline-pumping ride.
As the race progresses, riders will encounter various terrains, including steep climbs, rocky descents, and challenging technical sections that will test their skills and endurance. Plus, this race offers riders the opportunity to compete for two Strava Segments: A Race within the Race, RACE THE RIDGE for the fastest time. and/or A Race within the Race, RACE THE Enduro Segment for the fastest time.
The course flows through the famed Three Bridges and Lonberger trails before tracing the crest of the ridge on the iconic Tussey Mountain Trail. Riders are then faced with the challenging and technical terrain of the Leniency Trail and the Double Black John Wert Path. Each trail offers its own unique challenges and rewards.
The Tussey Mountain Trail provides a thrilling experience with its steep inclines and fast descents. Riders have an opportunity to compete for the fastest time on Strava as they Race the Ridge of Tussey Mountain.
Scenic trails, tranquil streams, fern gardens, rock gardens, and as the name suggests, three narrow wood bridges are the hallmark of the Three Bridges Trail.
On Lonberger Trail expect a mix of technical climbing and steep descents, as well as, rock gardens, and tight switchbacks that demand focus and precise handling. You’ll need to stay focused, agile, and determined to navigate the section of the course.
When you reach the end of Tussey Mountain Trail, near the Kistler Loop (private property) grab a photo – and free beers at the Beer Tap. Thank you to the whitewater paddle group, Moshannon Creekers and Axemann Brewery.
Then get ready for the wicked Leniency Trail descent. Riders will need to keep their wits about them as they navigate through the narrow and technical trail, where every inch counts. Compete for the title of KOM or QOM for the Seasons IV EXTENSION ENDURO RIP segment on Strava.
Finally, the Double Black John Wert Path awaits. This rocky, rooty trail is carved through the thick cover of massive rhododendrons. With its fast-paced descents, technical terrain, and breathtaking views, riders can enjoy the thrill of an adrenaline-pumping ride
With the air fresh and crisp, riders will feel the rush of adrenaline and the thrill of the competition as they push themselves to the limits on this epic mountain bike race through the rugged terrain of Rothrock State Forest.
Other Details
Seasons of Rothrock – Session IV Tussey Mountain MTB Race provides you with:
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- A fully marked course
- Well-stocked support station
- Cash awards to top 3 Ladies and Gentlemen Overall
- Top three podium awards in all listed categories
- Post-race event snacks and beer tickets for riders *When alcohol permit is able to be obtained
- Race swag
100% of the net proceeds from your race entry are donated to local cycling initiatives. In the past donations have been made to:
- Nittany Mountain Bike Association
- Harvest Fields Community Trails
- National Interscholastic Cycling Association
- Girls Rock
- YMCA
- Friends of Rothrock
Volunteer
We are grateful for all of the volunteers that come out to help us coordinate and execute successful Seasons of Rothrock races. Want to be a part of the show? We need course marshals, EMS, registration table help, bikers to sweep, course markers, people to direct traffic, and aid station attendants for the Session IV – Tussey Mountain MTB Race. You’ll find open positions on the Bike Reg page. Check it out!
Contact Us
Have questions about a race, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor? Reach out!