York 38 Special

The York Community is excited to announce this year’s York 38 Special is Saturday, August 15. The 38 Special is our volunteer fire department’s annual fundraiser.

The 38 Special bike race features three race options, each traversing spectacular scenery through the Big Belt Mountains. The course includes incredible mountain overlooks, rugged canyons, and three creek crossings. 

The 38-mile race includes the Bear Trap and Trout Creek options.  Both routes are on gravel and dirt single track roads, gaining at least 3,000 vertical feet. The Trout Creek option includes the beautiful Trout Creek Canyon single track route. Riders choosing the Bear Trap route will climb an extra 1,000 feet on rugged single track, then drop 2,000 feet back on to York Road. The Spirit of 76 race is two loops around the Trout Creek route for the ultimate challenge! Six aid stations are spread throughout the course, and each is staffed with volunteers and emergency medical personnel.

A family ride is offered, the Lucky 13, which is a moderate “out and back” route to Vigilante Campground. About half of the route is paved. An Aid station & porta potty are available on this route as well!

UPDATED START TIMES - All Spirit of 76 and York 38 Special Trout Creek and Bear Trap riders may start at 6 am and must start by 8 am.  No numbers will be issued after 8 am.  Any rider that starts later than 8 am and has no number will be considered unsupported.  Lucky 13 riders may start between 9 and 10 am.

We also offer a virtual option for those who cannot make race day. 

Register
Racers must submit times by Aug. 14th.  Submit Virtual Results
Here's how it works:

Select any 38-mile stretch to complete your virtual bike race. Track your time and route with a GPS app and submit via our website link. We're also featuring a "combo race" for multi-talented athletes. For this race, track your times and locales for each section and submit your files and photos via our website link. 

Plaques will be awarded to male and female winners in the following categories: 
Screamin' Fast 38-Mile Race (Fastest time)

Busta Hump 38-Mile Race (Most elevation gain)

And finally, the

Awesome Fitness Junkie Combo
38 miles of your choice including multiple disciplines, i.e. bike, run, hike, swim, paddleboard, skydive, etc. in the same week! (Ok, we're just kidding on the skydiving, but you get the point).

All Virtual participants receive a swag bag. 

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at york38specialmt@gmail.com.
 
Thank you, 
York 38 Special Volunteers

The York 38 Special brings an exciting Ultra, Half-Marathon to Helena, Montana on June 1, 2026. Don't miss this beautiful event!