10 Bucket-List Bike Races to Do Before You Die. MTB, Gravel & Road
You know that feeling of excitement mixed with nerves right before the starting gun goes off? Your heart’s pounding, your mind’s racing, and you’re about to tackle a course that’ll push you to your limits.
That’s the kind of thrill that keeps me coming back to these bucket-list races year after year. But here's the thing—these events aren’t just for the pros. Whether you're on a mountain bike, gravel grinder, or road bike, these iconic races are within reach for weekend warriors like us.
There’s something transformative about these rides—they test your body and mind, but they also take you to some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. If you’ve ever dreamed of packing up your bike and heading out for an unforgettable adventure, then this list is for you.
1. Leadville Trail 100 MTB (USA)
Type: Mountain Bike
Location: Colorado, USA
Distance: 100 miles
Leadville isn’t just a race—it’s a rite of passage. This 100-mile epic ride through Colorado’s Rockies, at altitudes over 10,000 feet, is one of the most legendary mountain bike races out there.
The sheer elevation and brutal climbs push riders to their limits, making it a true test of endurance. Even if you’ve never raced at altitude before, this one puts your fitness and mental toughness to the test.
What really makes Leadville special, though, is the atmosphere. Riders from all over the world come to test themselves on this course, and while it’s incredibly tough, it’s also incredibly rewarding. The views are breathtaking (when you’re not gasping for air!), and crossing that finish line is the ultimate badge of honor. Leadville is the kind of race where the challenge makes the reward that much sweeter.
Plus, with the lottery system for entry, this race is accessible to anyone who dares to dream big and prepare. Whether you're there to push your limits or just soak up the experience, Leadville is one for the ages.
2. Dirty Kanza (Unbound Gravel) (USA)
Type: Gravel
Location: Kansas, USA
Distance: 200 miles (with shorter options)
Unbound Gravel, formerly known as Dirty Kanza, is the event for gravel riders. It’s tough—200 miles of rolling gravel roads through the Flint Hills of Kansas—but it’s the sense of adventure and community that draws thousands of riders year after year. What makes Unbound special isn’t just the grueling miles or unpredictable weather, but the unique camaraderie in gravel racing. Riders push through miles of rugged terrain together, but they also stop to help each other out, which really defines the spirit of this event.
A close friend of mine did the 100-mile version and couldn’t stop raving about it. He said the landscape was nothing like he expected—far from the flat, boring Kansas you might imagine. Instead, it was rolling hills and endless horizons, with gravel roads that stretch on for miles. He told me the challenge wasn’t just physical but mental, too. "It’s not just about speed, but endurance and grit," he said. And that’s what makes Unbound so appealing—it’s as much about the journey as it is about crossing the finish line.
3. Cape Epic (South Africa)
Type: Mountain Bike
Location: South Africa
Distance: 8 days, 700 km
The Cape Epic is often called the “Tour de France of mountain biking” and it’s easy to see why. This eight-day stage race takes you through some of South Africa’s most breathtaking—and challenging—terrain. From steep climbs to technical descents across the Western Cape, the Cape Epic pushes riders to their absolute limits. But the kicker? It’s open to amateurs! That means anyone willing to train hard and prepare can line up next to the pros and tackle this incredible course.
A friend of mine rode it, and while he loved the experience, he said it was tougher than he imagined. The pace is intense, even for amateurs, and the sheer speed at which the top riders move through technical sections is incredible. He also mentioned that Cape Epic isn’t just a race—it’s a full-on commitment. Being there at least a week before the race for acclimatization and logistics, plus the race itself, can push the overall cost quite high. Flights, gear, accommodation—it adds up. But according to him, the memories, the scenery, and the satisfaction of finishing make it all worth it.
4. UCI Gravel World Series (Various Locations)
Type: Gravel
Location: Global (Multiple locations)
Distance: Varies by event (typically 100-150 km)
The UCI Gravel World Series is the real deal for anyone looking to test their mettle on the global stage. This series of qualifying races takes place at stunning locations around the world, with a mix of terrain designed to push you to your limits—whether it’s punchy climbs, long gravel stretches, or technical descents. The goal? Qualify for the Gravel World Championships.
I’ve been keeping an eye on these events because I’m seriously considering entering once I hit the 50-year-old category. The cool part? It’s not just for pros. There are categories for all age groups, which means riders of all levels can take part and potentially qualify for the Worlds. It’s one of those events where you get to ride alongside top-level cyclists but at a pace that suits your own abilities.
A buddy of mine did one of the races and told me it was faaaaaast. The courses are tough but achievable with good preparation, and the atmosphere is electric. And let’s be real—what could be cooler than racing toward a shot at the World Championships?
5. The Rift Gravel Race (Iceland)
Type: Gravel
Location: Iceland
Distance: 200 km
If you want something different—something that feels like riding on another planet—then The Rift is for you. Set in the surreal landscapes of Iceland, this gravel race takes you through volcanic fields, glaciers, and lava rocks. It’s tough, sure, but the reward is riding in one of the most visually stunning places on Earth.
The conditions can be unpredictable (think wind, rain, sun, and maybe even snow), but that’s part of the adventure. If the full 200 km seems too daunting, there’s also a 100 km option for those who still want the experience without biting off more than they can chew.
6. L'Étape du Tour (France)
Type: Road Ride
Location: French Alps
Distance: Varies each year, often over 100 miles
L'Étape du Tour is the ultimate bucket-list event for any road cycling fan. It’s one of the few chances amateurs have to ride a full stage of the Tour de France on closed roads, under pro-level conditions. Each year, the course features some of the most iconic climbs from the Tour, like Alpe d'Huez or Mont Ventoux. It’s the closest you’ll get to experiencing the Tour de France as the pros do—tackling the same grueling climbs and descents.
What makes L'Étape special isn’t just the challenge but the sheer energy of the event. Thousands of riders from all over the world gather to take on the course, and the atmosphere is electric. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just soaking in the experience of riding the legendary Tour de France routes, this event is as much about the journey as the destination.
Even if you’re not a hardcore roadie, the chance to ride in such a historic cycling event, with breathtaking Alpine scenery, is something any cyclist would cherish. If you’re looking for a road event to add to your bucket list, L'Étape du Tour is definitely a top contender.
7. Swiss Epic (Switzerland)
Type: Mountain Bike
Location: Swiss Alps
Distance: 5 days, 350 km
The Swiss Epic offers some of the most breathtaking mountain biking you’ll ever experience. Five days of riding through the Swiss Alps, with its mix of tough climbs and fast descents, it’s perfect for anyone looking to push their limits while taking in jaw-dropping scenery.
The trails are legendary, the mountains are massive, and the event organization is top-notch. You’ll ride flowy singletrack, technical sections, and long, sweeping descents that make you feel like you’re flying. And the best part? It’s open to amateur riders, so if you’ve got the passion, you’ve got the ticket.
8. BC Bike Race (Canada)
Type: Mountain Bike
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Distance: 7 days, varying distances
BC Bike Race is the ultimate singletrack adventure. It’s seven days of riding through the lush forests, mountains, and coastline of British Columbia. The trails here are world-famous for a reason—technical, fast, and flowy, they offer the perfect balance between challenge and fun.
The race is open to riders of all levels, which is great if you’re a weekend warrior like me. You’ll push hard, but at the end of the day, it’s all about soaking in the experience, making new friends, and celebrating the ride.
9. Grinduro (Various Locations)
Type: Gravel
Location: Multiple global locations (USA, Scotland, Japan)
Distance: Varies by location
Grinduro is something special. It’s part race, part party, and part adventure. It combines gravel riding with elements of mountain biking, making it one of the most unique cycling events out there. The timed segments add some competition, but really, it’s about the fun and the ride. I did a Grinduro event in California, and the mix of fast, smooth gravel with some technical singletrack sections was a blast.
The atmosphere is chill, and there’s plenty of post-ride hanging out and celebrating. This is the kind of event that shows you why people are so passionate about gravel—because it’s as much about community as it is about racing.
10. Trans Madeira (Portugal)
Type: Enduro
Location: Madeira Island, Portugal
Distance: 5 days, 220+ km
Trans Madeira is an Enduro race like no other. Set on the stunning and diverse terrain of Madeira Island, this 5-day event is a dream for any rider who loves technical descents, challenging trails, and breathtaking scenery. Madeira offers everything from lush forests and rugged mountains to cliffside trails overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The sheer variety of terrain is what makes this event so special.
What makes Trans Madeira stand out from other Enduro races is its focus on exploration. Riders travel to different parts of the island each day, with a mix of shuttles and pedaling to access remote trails that aren't typically ridden outside of the event. Each stage offers unique challenges, from rocky technical sections to fast flowy descents. The event covers around 220 km over the five days, with plenty of descending to keep adrenaline junkies satisfied.
It’s open to amateur riders who are up for the challenge, and while the technical nature of the trails requires good skills, the atmosphere is welcoming and supportive. You’re not just racing—you’re sharing an adventure with a community of like-minded riders.
If you’re looking for an Enduro race that mixes serious trail riding with incredible landscapes, Trans Madeira is the ultimate bucket-list event.
Summary Table: Bucket-List Races
| Race | Type | Location | Distance | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leadville Trail 100 MTB | Mountain Bike | Colorado, USA | 100 miles | Legendary race at high altitude; lottery entry system |
| Unbound Gravel (Dirty Kanza) | Gravel | Kansas, USA | 200 miles (with shorter options) | Sense of adventure and community; tough gravel roads |
| Cape Epic | Mountain Bike | South Africa | 8 days, 700 km | Tour de France of mountain biking; open to amateurs |
| UCI Gravel World Series | Gravel | Global (Various locations) | Varies (100-150 km) | Qualify for the Gravel World Championships |
| The Rift Gravel Race | Gravel | Iceland | 200 km | Unique volcanic and glacier landscapes |
| L'Étape du Tour | Road | French Alps | Varies (typically 100+ miles) | Ride a stage of the Tour de France |
| Swiss Epic | Mountain Bike | Swiss Alps | 5 days, 350 km | Riding through the breathtaking Swiss Alps |
| BC Bike Race | Mountain Bike | British Columbia, Canada | 7 days | World-famous singletrack; lush forests and mountains |
| Grinduro | Gravel | Global (Various locations) | Varies | Part race, part party; combines gravel and MTB |
| Trans Madeira | Enduro | Madeira Island, Portugal | 5 days, 220+ km | Diverse terrain; focus on exploration |
Ride on
