News in MTB & Cycling End of week round up
five of the hottest topics March 2025
Some cool News you should know
01.
Crankworx Rotorua - March 5-9
Crankworx Rotorua 2025 returns to the legendary trails of Rotorua, Aotearoa New Zealand, from March 5–9, bringing together world-class mountain biking, elite competitions, and cultural celebrations. Riders and fans will experience a thrilling lineup of events, from Downhill to Slopestyle, as athletes battle for crucial points in the prestigious King & Queen of Crankworx standings.
With all events taking place at Skyline Rotorua, the festival promises an electrifying atmosphere, ensuring a seamless experience for competitors and spectators alike.
In the women’s competitions, all eyes are on New Zealand’s Robin Goomes, who makes a highly anticipated return after missing Red Bull Joyride in Whistler due to injury. Rising stars Natasha Miller (USA) and Patricia Druwen (GER) bring fresh energy and innovative tricks, ensuring fierce competition in the Slopestyle events. Meanwhile, reigning Queen of Crankworx, Martha Gill (GBR), faces tough challenges from former Queen Caroline Buchanan (AUS) and local favorites Jenna Hastings (NZL) and Sacha Earnest (NZL) in the Specialized Dual Slalom and Pump Track Challenge.
The Pump Track Challenge will showcase an elite international roster, including current Pump Track World Champion Sabina Košárková (CZE) and powerhouse Jordy Scott (USA), who is making a comeback after a hard-fought 2024 season. Teammates Louise Ferguson (GBR) and Mille Johnset (NOR), fresh off the Redemption Downhill podium in Christchurch, are also primed to leave their mark. Fans can catch all the action live on Red Bull TV or Crankworx.com, ensuring global access to one of mountain biking’s most electrifying festivals.
For more information including the full rider lineup, visit crankworx.com
02.
Sedona Mountain Bike Festival March 14-16 - featuring Women’s MTB Network
The Sedona Mountain Bike Festival is a premier spring event for mountain biking enthusiasts, offering a mix of bike demos, shuttled rides, gear vendors, live music, food trucks, and skills clinics. Set against the stunning backdrop of Sedona’s famous red rock singletrack, the festival is the perfect way to experience over 250 miles of world-class trails. With more demo bikes and activities than any other MTB festival, it continues to attract riders from all over, maintaining its signature vibe while introducing new and exciting features each year.
One of the standout events at the festival is the Women’s MTB Network annual ladies' ride, returning for its third year. Last year saw the largest group rides of the festival, and organizers are eager to surpass that milestone.
The weekend kicks off on Friday with bike tuning for Sedona’s unique terrain and a First Aid clinic. Saturday features a co-ed ride with Dirt Therapy, led by Jess the Maker and sponsored by Club Ride, followed by a Women’s Entrepreneur panel hosted alongside Jess Hana.
Sunday wraps up with the much-anticipated women’s ride, co-hosted by SMBA & FLS, starting with donuts and culminating in a raffle sponsored by Crankbrothers & Shredly. This festival is more than just a riding event—it’s a vibrant community gathering that celebrates the sport, brings together riders of all levels, and fosters new connections on some of the most scenic trails in the world.
03.
New Gravity Trails Coming to Birmingham, Alabama
Alabama’s mountain biking scene continues to grow, with Oak Mountain State Park leading the charge as Birmingham’s top trail system. With over 40 miles of singletrack, the park has long been a favorite for cross-country riders. However, thanks to the efforts of the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP), the park is expanding to include the state’s longest purpose-built gravity trails, catering to a broader range of riders.
BUMP’s latest project introduces three new gravity trails, designed for both intermediate and advanced riders. These trails will each span over a mile in length, with the intermediate trails featuring over 400 vertical feet of elevation drop and the black-diamond trail reaching closer to 500 feet. Riders can expect machine-built berms and sculpted tabletop jumps, a first for Alabama’s mountain biking community.
In addition to the gravity trails, a skills park is in the works to help riders develop their technique. The park will include a progressive dirt jump area, a skills development zone, and a paved pump track, offering a well-rounded space for bikers to practice and improve. These new additions aim to enhance Oak Mountain’s reputation as a top-tier biking destination.
Best of all, access to these trails remains affordable. After paying the $5 state park entry fee, riders can enjoy everything Oak Mountain has to offer at no additional cost. With these new developments, the park is set to become a premier destination for both local and visiting mountain bikers.
04.
New Law Clears Path for Lift-Assisted Mountain Bike Parks in Arkansas
Arkansas has taken a significant step toward expanding its mountain biking offerings with the passage of Senate Bill 203 (SB 203), which allows for lift-serviced mountain bike parks in the state. Signed into law by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in February 2025, the bill legally defines “recreational tramways” and recognizes the inherent risks associated with outdoor activities.
This legislation paves the way for new developments in the state’s thriving mountain biking scene.
A key aspect of SB 203 is its emphasis on personal responsibility and assumption of risk. Co-sponsor Rep. John Maddox highlighted that activities like mountain biking naturally come with dangers, and the bill ensures that participants understand and accept these risks. By acknowledging this, the law provides a legal framework that protects both outdoor recreation operators and recreational tramway operators while allowing the sport to grow.
The bill also establishes safety and operational guidelines for lift-assisted bike parks.
It mandates that lift operators maintain safe operation, post advisory signs for riders unfamiliar with lift use, conduct annual lift inspections, and ensure compliance with the ANSI Ski Lift Code. Additionally, trail signage at the top of lifts is required to inform riders about terrain and conditions.
With SB 203 in place, Arkansas is poised to enhance its reputation as a premier mountain biking destination. By balancing safety regulations with the assumption of risk, the new law encourages the development of lift-serviced bike parks while protecting both operators and riders. This move signals the state’s commitment to growing outdoor recreation opportunities and further solidifying its place in the mountain biking community.
You can check out the entire Senate Bill 203 here.
05.
Participate in the Girls Pull Up Not Out event survey
Our friends at Girls Pull Up Not Out want to hear from the ladyshredders! Have you ever been interested in attending a GPUNO event? Head to their event survey to give your feedback, suggestions and insight to help craft an event based on what you’re looking for in a women’s mtb event. While you’re at it, stay in touch to be in-the-know for all future GPUNO events by checking out their website.