Unravel The Scratchgravels XC
About this race
Experience the longest running XC race in Montana!
Unravel The Scratchgravels XC is back to showcase the amazing single track trails surrounding Helena, MT and kickoff the summer riding season in Western Montana. Experience the technical climbs, fast descents, and breathtaking views in this Montana classic. For 2026 the 2nd half of the course has been updated to include the southern connector trail that was built in 2024. This update adds more flow and technical sections, with a fantastic view of the Helena Valley! From the 3.5 mile short loop to the 24 mile Expert full race (with over 3400 feet of climbing!) there is a perfect day of racing for everyone.
Proceeds from Unravel The Scratchgravels XC support the Helena Cyclones NICA youth mountain biking team and Montana Bicycle Guild trail work program.
Helmets are REQUIRED to be worn by all participants while on the course.
Racers in the Expert Category will be allowed hand-ups for water and nutrition during the race only in the marked zone. This will be located in the trailhead area before the course turns on Echo Lane towards the end of the lap.
This is a XC Mountain Bike race and flat handlebars are REQUIRED for all racers. With that being said, the Scratchgravel Hills area is a great place for any kind of bike. We would highly encourage everyone to take some time before or after the race to explore all of the great trails Helena has on offer.
Pick your distance
Mountain biking
Unravel The Scratchgravels XC - Expert
Four laps on the classic course cover 22.5 miles of punchy climbs and fast descents for a total of 3500 feet of elevation gain. A fast paced course with plenty of opportunities to fight for the lead. Race Categories: Men's 18-39, 40-59, 60+ Women's 18-39, 40-59, 60+
Unravel The Scratchgravels XC - Intermediate
Three laps provide plenty of technical climbing and exciting descents. Over 2600 feet of climbing await you in this classic Montana race. Race Categories: Men's 16-17, 18-39, 40-59, 60+ Women's 16-17, 18-39, 40-59, 60+
Unravel The Scratchgravels XC - Novice
It's time to get the whole family in the racing mood! Two laps on the course, including the classic Head Lane climb, provide plenty of action for everyone. Race Categories: Men's 13-15, 16-17, 18-39, 40-59, 60+ Women's 13-15, 16-17, 18-39, 40-59, 60+
Unravel The Scratchgravels XC - Junior Short
It's time to spark a love for racing in the next generation of mountain bikers. Two laps on a fun and challenging modified short course is the perfect start to a wonderful racing experience. Race Categories: Boy's 9-12, 13-15 Girl's 9-12, 13-15
Typical race-day weather
Based on 12 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Helena, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 5:52 AM and sets at 8:56 PM local time (MDT) in Helena on May 16, 2026 — 15h 04m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
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Other races near Helena
Different organizers, within 40 miles, in the next three months
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 16 Helena events
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