KIDS
SATURDAY | MARCH 9TH
KIDS MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP & BIKE RACING!

The Specialized Cactus Cup is dedicated to building families of mountain bikers. On Saturday we offer great opportunities to involve kids in the sport we all love.
KIDS MTB CAMP For ages 6 – 12, this 5-hour camp that includes skills, trail riding, lunch and fun! Parents can place kids in camp while they participate in the XC event (or take a nap!).
CLICK HERE FOR INFO ON KIDS MTB CAMP
FREE KIDS ZONE AND FAMILY HANGOUT!
Brought to you by Bike Masters. Located at the Pump Track on Saturday 9a – 4p and Sunday 9a – 1p. Parents will find shade and chairs while kids discover all kinds of fun! With coloring activities, a giant dirt pile for digging and riding on the pump track everyone will keep themselves busy. Visit with the friendly staff at Bike Masters to talk bikes and even check out the demos.
KIDS BIKE RACING – Brought to you by McDowell Mountain Cycles! With Balance Bike racing @10:30AM for those 1 – 5 and pedal bike racing @2:30PM for those Kindergarten to 8th grade everyone will be a part of the Specialized Cactus Cup!
BALANCE BIKE RACE
Ages 1 – 5 years old
10:30AM Saturday March 9th

These little riders need to have a bike without pedals (balance bike) and a helmet.
Age Groups are co-ed: 1 year, 2 year, 3 year, 4 year, 5 years
Course: The course is approximately 200 yards and contained within the venue. Kids will roll over small ramps and through the “octopus arms”. Kids will race in heats until the top 3 are determined in each age group
Check In: Begins at 9:00am at the MMC Tent (you must register online)
Starting Line: The Balance Bike course located at the Pump Track (east end of the venue)
Finish Line: Pump Track
Start Time: 10:30AM
AWARDS CEREMONY:
@The official Cactus Cup Podium following the event (estimated at 11:30am)
Top 3 in each category will receive special awards from McDowell Mountain Cycles
REGISTRATION FEE: $10 per child
FEE INCLUDES:
- Race Plate
- Finish Line Otter Pop
- Finisher Award
- Top 3 Podium Awards
KIDS BIKE RACE
Ages Kinder – 8th Grade
2:00PM Saturday March 9th

Bike (with knobby tires) and helmet required. No training wheels
CATEGORIES AND COURSES:
*New for 2024*: LITTLE SHREDDERS CLASS: Kinder – 5th grade
This beginner or first timer event (no advanced riders) for K – 5th is designed for the child who rides a pedal bike but is not ready to take on the difficult 3 mile, advanced race. This event is the only option for Kindergarten riders and is a fun introduction to bike racing where parents can see them the entire 1/2 mile loop as it is all within the main venue! This is an untimed event. Riders will go off in waves per grade level (grades may be combined depending on attendance) and complete the one lap. All participants will receive a finisher prize and bragging rights!
REGISTRATION FEE: $10 per child
BEGINNER FEE INCLUDES:
- Race Plate
- Specialized Socks
- Finisher Award
ADVANCED CLASS: 1st grade – 8th grade
1st grade – 5th grade: Each grade will have its own wave start. Girls and Boys will start on the line together but will be scored separately.
Course: 1 Lap of the Sport Loop: 3 Miles
**Pedal bikers 6 and younger must sign up for the Little Shredders event**
6th – 8th grade: Each grade will have it’s own wave start. Girls and Boys will start on the line together but will be scored separately.
Course: 2 Laps of the Sport Loop: 6 Miles
**If your young rider wants to race 2 laps, register for the 6th grade category
PARENTS: You may ride with your child’s race wave. Starting behind the racers and following the group.
Registration: Online registration is best but onsite registration is accepted (cash or card)
Check In: Beginning at 1:00pm on Saturday at the MMC Tent near the Cactus Cup Finish Line Arch
Starting Line: Just west of the Official Finish Line
Finish Line: Kids will Finish at the Official Cactus Cup Finish Line!
Start Time | Division |
2:30 | 8th Grade |
2:32 | 7th Grade |
2:34 | 6th Grade |
2:36 | 5th Grade |
2:38 | 4th Grade |
2:40 | 3rd Grade |
2:42 | 2nd Grade |
2:44 | 1st Grade |
2:46 | Kinder |
ADVANCED CATEGORIES: Kinder, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade boys and girls. Boys and Girls are scored separately
AWARDS CEREMONY
@The Main Stage at 4PM
Top 3 in each category will receive special awards from McDowell Mountain Cycles
REGISTRATION FEE: $30 per child
FEE INCLUDES:
- Race Plate
- Official timing and scoring
- Specialized Socks
- Finisher Award
- Reusable Bag
- Top 3 Podium Awards in each category male / female
COURSE MAP
Route map for Cactus Cup – Kids Bike Race by Michael Melley on plotaroute.com