Running since 1981, the Road Apple Rally holds a legit claim as America's longest continuously running mountain bike race — and it still feels like a party you happen to race through. The name alone tells you something: early riders were literally dodging horse droppings on the trail. It's a timed, competitive event with cash on the line for pros (up to $750 for the win), but the vibe spans the full spectrum from eight-year-olds on the Sprint course to Expert grinders chasing comped entry for next year.
The courses roll through the Glade Run Recreation Area outside Farmington — high-desert terrain that earns its reputation as fun and fast.
Three distances give everyone a reason to show up: the Sprint (4.4 miles, 272 ft. climbing), Sport (14.6 miles, 680 ft.), and Pro/Expert (30.1 miles, 1,880 ft.). The whole weekend kicks off Friday evening with a Downtown Bike Party at the Farmington Civic Center — packet pickup, rider dinner, beer garden, a criterium fun race, and a kids skills course. Registration includes meal and beer tickets for both Friday dinner and Saturday lunch, so you're basically paying for a race and getting a weekend.