Bethel Community Forest Debuts First-Ever Enduro This October

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 3, 2026! The Cider Press Stride + Ride is coming to the Bethel Community Forest, and this year brings a massive milestone for the mountain bike community: the event's first-ever Enduro Race! Organized by Inland Woods + Trails, this gathering is a true celebration of our local outdoor scene. Whether you are hunting for the podium or enjoying the community vibes, every single registration directly supports the non-profit trail stewardship that keeps Western Maine's singletrack thriving.

While the weekend features a scenic 5K trail run for the runners, a scavenger hunt for nature lovers of all ages, and cider pressing of course, the big news for mountain bikers is the addition of a multi-stage Enduro race.

Following the format of the Maine Gravity Series, this premier race offers both a PRO and an LTE category. Keeping it true to the spirit of rugged New England riding, both fields are entirely self-powered and will reach stages via Summit Access Road. There are no chairlifts or shuttles here—racers will be earning every single downhill descent by grinding out the transfer climbs together, making for an awesome day of camaraderie in the woods.

Here is the official stage breakdown for the first-ever Enduro:

The PRO field will kick things off with a heavy dose of tech on Humerus, a proper double-black diamond trail. It starts with an impressive, signature rock roll before immediately throwing riders into technical rock gardens and steep, demanding descents. This stage is a pure test of grit and line choice for advanced racers.

Next up, both the PRO and LTE fields will take on Gully Verse Travels. This nearly one-mile local favorite flow trail guarantees high speeds and big smiles. The timed stage begins on the original, classic upper singletrack and drops directly into the beautiful, recently expanded lower portion crafted by the talented team at Maine Trail Builders.

photo: Noah Buchanan rider: Bjarne Nielsen

Stage 2 (PRO & LTE): Upper Phoenix -> Shnitzel & Noodles -> Zoomies

For the final challenge, racers will head back up the Summit Access Road for a creative, multi-trail finale. This segment starts on Upper Phoenix, feeds into the fresh dirt of the brand-new Shnitzel and Noodles, and finishes with a flat-out sprint down Zoomies. Expect a fun, pedally stage with moderate tech up top, leading into tight corners and transitions into smooth, fast terrain to bring everyone across the finish line.

Once the racing wraps up and the times are locked in, the fun continues! Stick around the forest to enjoy the traditional Cider Press post-race festivities. There will be fresh cider pressing, a roaring bonfire, and plenty of time to swap race run stories with friends and neighbors. Come out to make history at this inaugural race, volunteer, cheer, and support the trails we love.