Valley Dirt Fest Is Right Up the Mad River Valley’s Alley
There are some events that simply feel like they belong here. Valley Dirt Fest is one of them. The second annual Valley Dirt Fest rolls into the Mad River Valley on Saturday, August 22, bringing together mountain biking, swimming holes, local food, live music, cold beer and a good cause. In other words, it is pretty much the Mad River Valley wrapped into one summer day.
Organized by the Mad River Riders, the festival offers guided rides throughout the Valley’s extensive trail network, with options for riders of all ages, interests and abilities. Some rides will pedal directly from Madbush Falls, while a continuously running shuttle will help take the bite out of the climbs for those who want it.
The $25 admission includes unlimited guided rides, one shuttle ride, snacks, water and sports drinks. Admission is free for riders 18 and younger, making this a particularly welcoming way for families and younger riders to get out and explore the trails.
But Valley Dirt Fest is about more than a great day on a bike.
All proceeds support the maintenance and construction of the Mad River Valley’s trail network. Those trails do not simply appear, and they certainly do not take care of themselves. They are the result of years of work by the Mad River Riders, landowners, volunteers, municipalities, local businesses and community partners who understand what these trails mean to the Valley.
That spirit of collaboration is also at the heart of the Mad River Valley Recreation Hub.
Located at the intersection of Routes 100 and 17, the Rec Hub was created as a welcoming front door to outdoor recreation in the Mad River Valley. It gives residents and visitors a place to get oriented, learn about local trails and recreation opportunities, make a quick bike repair, use the off-grid restroom or simply figure out where to begin.
Valley Dirt Fest is a perfect example of why the Rec Hub matters. We have an extraordinary network of trails and outdoor experiences, but helping people understand and respectfully access those resources is every bit as important as building them. The Rec Hub connects the dots between our trail organizations, businesses, lodging properties, restaurants and the people who come here ready to explore.
It also represents the kind of recreation we value in the Mad River Valley: locally rooted, welcoming, connected to our villages and supportive of the people and businesses that make this place what it is.
After the rides wrap up, the celebration continues from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Cousin’s Meadow at the MRV Rec Hub , with live music, an outdoor bar and food available from both Madbush Falls and Silk Road at Cousin’s Brewing. And, true to the Valley, there are plenty of swimming holes nearby for cooling off between rides.
Valley Dirt Fest Schedule
8–10 a.m.
Registration, coffee and breakfast at Madbush Falls
10 a.m.
Guided rides begin and the first shuttle departs
10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Continuous shuttle service from Madbush Falls and Stark Mountain Bike Works
3–6 p.m.
After-party in Cousin’s Meadow with live music, local beer and food
Whether you are an experienced mountain biker, a family looking for an outdoor adventure or simply someone who enjoys live music and a beer in a meadow, Valley Dirt Fest offers a pretty darn good way to spend a summer Saturday.
Most importantly, every registration helps support the trails that make days like this possible.
