Cover photo courtesy of Jane Patten and Evergreen East
It’s been a hard year on the trails at Beacon Hill and around Spokane. The Upriver Fire burned through many of the Beacon Hill trails, closed Camp Sekani and crews are still clearing hazard trees. This summer’s wildfires reminded us how precious these spaces are and how vital they are to our community when we come together to steward them.
But here’s what we’ve learned, over and over, building trails with this community: the way through a hard season is together. Every work party with a bunch of volunteers and every ride shared with a group has been a small act of showing up for each other and for the outdoors. That’s the spirit we’re bringing into fall, and it’s exactly why we can’t wait for Eastoberfest 2026, happening October 11 at Beacon Hill in Spokane, based out of Minnehaha Park.
The East Chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance started Eastoberfest as a race and fundraiser for our trails, but it’s grown into something bigger: a celebration of mountain biking together, whether you’re chasing a podium or just chasing daylight on your first ride. Riders of every level are welcome, and if you’ve never raced before, this is the place to start. Beginners tackle three of the four stages, so you get the experience of race day without needing years of riding behind you.
You’ll find treats scattered around the course, from pancakes at the top to prizes at the finish, and the fun doesn’t stop when you cross the finish line. Stick around for food, swag, and our beer garden, where racers, volunteers and spectators can hang.
New to mountain biking? This is exactly the kind of low-pressure, high-reward event that makes people fall in love with the sport. You don’t need fancy gear or years of experience. Just a bike, a helmet and your energy. Come watch if you’re not ready to ride, cheer on friends, grab a beer and meet the stewards of the Evergreen East Chapter. We promise you’ll leave with new friends and probably a few ideas about next year.
None of it happens without the folks who show up early to mark the course, hand out pancakes and cheer riders across the finish. If you’re not ready to race but want in on the day, we’d love to have you as a volunteer! It’s one more way to be part of this community.
Every dollar raised goes straight back into the trails: building new ones, maintaining what we have, and teaching the next generation of riders. So when you register, you’re not just signing up for a fun day outside; you’re investing in the future of these trails we all share.
This year has asked a lot of our community and our trails. Eastoberfest is our answer: a day to be outside, be together and remember why we do this in the first place. Registration is open now: EvergreenMTB.org. We hope to see you out there!
