The Bear is Back

The Bear is Back is a Front Range mountain bike racing institution, returning each spring to Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood. For many Colorado mountain bikers, this race marks the unofficial start of the MTB racing season — a chance to shake off the winter dust, test your early-season fitness, and see where you stand against the local competition. The park’s trail system provides a course that’s technical enough to be interesting but accessible enough for racers of all levels.

Bear Creek Lake Park sits right on the edge of the Denver metro, making this one of the most convenient races on the calendar. No long mountain drives, no altitude adjustment needed — just show up and race. The course typically features a mix of singletrack, fire roads, and enough climbing to remind you that your winter base training (or lack thereof) matters. Categories for various skill levels mean everyone from first-time racers to seasoned experts can find a competitive field.

If this is your first mountain bike race, Bear is Back is an excellent starting point. The park is easy to navigate, the atmosphere is encouraging, and the spring timing means conditions are usually mild. Pre-ride the course if you can — familiarity with the technical sections will pay dividends on race day. Register early as local races tend to fill up, and arrive with time to warm up and get your bearings before your start time.