The Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival (SCMBF) — presented by Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBoSC) and FOX — returns to its roots in the city of Santa Cruz. Now in its sixth year, the festival will run in San Lorenzo Park on April 11-12, 2015, the weekend before the Sea Otter Classic in nearby Monterey.

Families of all ages come to the Santa Cruz Mt. Bike Festival to look at all sorts of new gear. And of course play corn hole.
Families of all ages come to the Santa Cruz Mt. Bike Festival to look at all sorts of new gear, test bikes and have a great time.

This all-new venue is situated in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz along the San Lorenzo Park Riverway multi-use path. From the venue, it’s a relaxing 1.5 mile pedal to the popular Emma McCrary Trail built by MBoSC and appropriate for all levels of riders. We’re excited to bring the festival to this new location that ties together the heart of downtown and world class singletrack. The park benchlands will be a beautiful place to enjoy a day of music, food, beer, and bikes.

Demo bikes were on hand from many big companies like Trek, Specialized and Santa Cruz. Just sitting there, waiting to be ridden.
Demo bikes are on hand from many big companies like Trek, Specialized, Giant, LIV, Santa Cruz, Scott, Cannondale, Intense, Ibis, Rocky Mountain, Breezer, Pivot and many more. Just sitting there, waiting to be ridden.

“We’re really excited for this year’s festival at our new venue,” says Festival Director Justin Beck. “We have more bike demos than ever before, we’re right at the doorstep of the renowned Emma McCrary Trail, and we have plenty of excellent beer being provided by local breweries. With fun skills clinics, the popular aerial jump bag and a bigger-than-ever kids’ area, this promises to be a great weekend for all.”

Showdown in the Redwoods of Santa Cruz!
Go test bikes in the Redwoods of Santa Cruz! Photo: Gary Perkin/Santa Cruz Bicycles.
Hang out with the your favorite brand's marketing managers and do a lot of tech talk while riding or  drinking some delicious beer provided by local breweries!
Hang out with the your favorite brand’s marketing managers and do a lot of tech talk while riding or drinking some delicious beer provided by local breweries!

The Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival was created in 2010 to celebrate the world class mountain bike facilities, riders, and cycling industry of Santa Cruz county, with proceeds benefiting local bike projects. The eco-conscious, family-friendly event grows year after year with the generous support of our sponsors, volunteers, and community. The success of the event is a testament to the depth of the mountain bike culture in Santa Cruz County.

Words: Michele Lamelin / Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz


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About the author

Robin Schmitt

Robin is one of the two founders of 41 Publishing, a visionary and go-getter. While he now enjoys every second on the bike – whenever his busy schedule allows – he used to race against the clock at enduro events and a few Downhill World Cups. Besides that, Robin practises kung fu and Zen meditation, plays the cello or with his dog (which actually belongs to his girlfriend), travels abroad and still reviews numerous bikes himself. Progressive ideas, new projects and major challenges – Robin loves exploring undiscovered potential and getting to the bottom of new trends.