Race Report: Cascadia Dirt Cup Round Four, Galbraith Mountain, WA

This past weekend, Bellingham once again played host to the thrilling Race Cascadia bonus race during the Northwest Tune Up, a festival that brings together bikes, beer, and music. In its third year, this event has become a highlight for mountain biking enthusiasts and festival goers alike, and those who weren't in town definitely missed out on an unforgettable experience! With perfect 75-degree sunny weather, it was a refreshing escape from the heat wave affecting much of the country.

Saturday: A Day of Perfect Conditions and High Energy

Over 350 racers took to the trails on Saturday, filling every spot and making the day a sold-out success. The atmosphere was electric, as racers gathered under sunny skies and mild temperatures. The new sponsor, Outdoor Research, added to the excitement, and we were thrilled to have them on board for this race.

The race kicked off with a fun, yet exhilarating course. Racers quickly ascended to the top and dropped in on stage one, DadBod. The day's Pro course featured an elevation gain of about 3,800 feet over 19 miles, providing a mix of “chill” climbs and thrilling descents.

Pro and Expert racers took on additional stages, including Devil Cross, Mabel’s Monkey Wrench—a new and exciting addition—Oriental Express, and concluded with the long stage from Scorpion to Das Audubon to Irish Death. Despite a few crashes and a notable number of flat tires, spirits remained high, and the sense of camaraderie was palpable.

The Sport class also started on DadBod and then took on Mullet/Cheech & Chong, before finishing on the extra-long Pump Track to Eagle Scout & Atomic Dog stage.

One of the standout moments from Saturday was Ian Fay racing a drop bar gravel bike and impressively placing 5th in the hardtail division, showcasing the versatility and skill of our racers.

Sunday: Youth Take Center Stage

The good vibes from Saturday continued into Sunday, dedicated to our youth racers. With over 200 young riders, the energy was just as high as the previous day. Following the same course lineup, these young groms showcased impressive skill and enthusiasm. Local Galbraith Gravity racer, Cass Simeur, led the pack, ultimately claiming the junior expert title. Despite numerous flats, especially on the Atomic Dog stage (Cush Core next year?!), the resilience and stoke of these young athletes were unmatchable.

In summary, the Northwest Tune Up was a resounding success, blending perfect weather, high spirits, and exceptional racing followed by concerts and after parties during the night hours. If you weren't here, you missed out on one of the best weekends Bellingham has to offer. Don't make the same mistake next year!

Sponsors for this race: Transition Bikes,Outdoor Research, Evo, Schwalbe, 805 Beer, The Gravity Cartel.

See you in Darrington, at North Mountain for our next race on July 27-28th! Register Here , and stay tuned for info about the next Main Character of the Race presented by Bike Mag and 5-hour ENERGY.

Full results can be found here.

If you'd like to see your race featured on Bike Mag, reach out!

Words: Heather Carter for the CDC