Mountain Bike Race Series

Kelso Mountain Bike Race Series for 2025: Registration Is Opening Soon!

Come conquer the trails with us at the Kelso Mountain Bike Race Series starting in May! The 2025 season begins May 13, 2025 with the last race on August 19, 2025 before the finale event on August 26, 2025. With twelve races in total, some of the best climbs in southern Ontario, and multiple distances/categories, the race series is a great addition to training programs and a fun way to challenge yourself to achieve a personal best. 

Race Category Selection

Kelso MTB Series Race Category Selection

Kelso is proud of its race series and wants to ensure you get the best experience possible. Each of our race categories are listed below to assist you in selecting the appropriate category.

Our recommendation is to select the category that best suits your current endurance and skill level. Moving up is possible. We have provided some guiding factors to assist. Moving down can be done, but should be avoided. Riders moving down in category have often selected the wrong category initially, or have moved up too soon. Ideally, you are choosing a category that you feel you can ride competitively in.

In 2024, we introduced an additional race category called “Intermediate” and it remains one of our race categories for 2025. Intermediate sits between Sport and Novice in terms of difficulty and Intermediate racers complete 2 laps of the Novice Course.

Sign up for the series (twelve races + finale event) and have access to as many races as you want, or sign up for individual races whenever you are available. We encourage everyone to sign up for the series as it’s such a great value and it makes signing in each week so much easier.

REMINDER: Single racer registration closes the night before each race. 

Rates & Dates

2025 Rates

Become a Conservation Halton member and save! Renewal discounts are also available for current members with a membership set to expire over the race season. Please contact Visitor Services for more information at visitorservices@hrca.on.ca or 905-878-5011.

Sign-up for all 12 races and the finale event at one amazing price point, plus you’ll get a free race series t-shirt!

Note: Kelso gate fees for race nights are included in all non-member registration fees below.

Race Series – Novice, Intermediate, Sport, Expert (All Weeks)

Member:
$189 +HST

Non-Member
$279 +HST


Beginner Series (All Weeks) 

Member:
$85 +HST

Non-Member
$135 +HST


Single Event Race Entry

Please note single event riders will NOT be included in season end standings, even if you race multiple events.

Member:

$33 +HST

Non-Member
$38 + HST


Kids Race Series (All Weeks) 

Member
$60 +HST

Non-Member
$60 +HST

2025 Nightly Schedule

Time Activity Location
5:30 pm – 6:30pm Sign-in and Plate Pick-up
(no registration at this time)
West Lodge
6:40 pm Kids and Beginner Race Start West of the Patrol Building
6:45 pm – 7:00 pm Race Start (waves) Base of Updraft Chair
8:00 pm (approx.) Draw Prizes West Lodge Patio

 

Racer safety and trail health are the top priorities for the Tuesday Night Race Series at Kelso. Our races run so long as we can operate with confidence that these priorities can be supported that evening based on trail conditions and weather.

Our Tuesday Night Race Series will consist of twelve races over four heats. 

Each heat will be comprised of three race nights followed by a make-up or ‘Flex’ Night. Should we be able to run all three races in a heat, the Flex Night will serve as a break for riders from racing and no formal race will be held that evening.  

If conditions are unsafe for a race, however, the Flex Night of that heat will serve as a make-up race date and a race will be rescheduled for that date.  

  MTB Race Dates:  Open House / Registration Night:  06-May 
Heat 1  Race 1  13-May  Heat 3  Race 7  08-July
Race 2  20-May  Race 8  15-July 
Race 3  27-May  Race 9  22-July 
Flex 1 03-June  Flex 3  29-July 
Heat 2  Race 4  10-June  Heat 4  Race 10  05-August 
Race 5  17-June  Race 11  12-August
Race 6  24-June  Race 12  19-August
Flex 2  01-July  Finale  26-August

Race 1: May 13, 2025 Novice/Intermediate Course (coming soon)
Sport/Expert Course (coming soon)
Results n/a
Race 2: May 20, 2025 Novice/Intermediate Course (coming soon)
Sport/Expert Course (coming soon)
Results n/a
Race 3: May 27, 2025 Novice/Intermediate Course (coming soon)
Sport/Expert Course (coming soon)
Results n/a
Race 4: June 10, 2025 Novice/Intermediate Course (coming soon)
Sport/Expert Course (coming soon)
Results n/a
Race 5: June 17, 2025 Novice/Intermediate Course (coming soon)
Sport/Expert Course (coming soon)
Results n/a
Race 6: June 24, 2025 Novice/Intermediate Course (coming soon)
Sport/Expert Course (coming soon)
Results n/a
Race 7: July 8, 2025 Novice/Intermediate Course (coming soon)
Sport/Expert Course (coming soon)
Results n/a
Race 8: July 15, 2025 Novice/Intermediate Course (coming soon)
Sport/Expert Course (coming soon)
Results n/a
Race 8: July 22, 2025 Novice/Intermediate Course (coming soon)
Sport/Expert Course (coming soon)
Results n/a
Race 10: August 5, 2025 Novice/Intermediate Course (coming soon)
Sport/Expert Course (coming soon)
Results n/a
Race 11: August 12, 2025 Novice/Intermediate Course (coming soon)
Sport/Expert Course (coming soon)
Results n/a
Race 12: August 19, 2025 Novice/Intermediate Course (coming soon)
Sport/Expert Course (coming soon)
Results n/a
Finale Night: August 26, 2025 Full Season Point Totals:
TBD

The Kids Race uses a closed circuit. Riders will complete as many laps as possible within 20 minutes. As a Kids Racer your goal should be to have fun and develop your ability to complete more laps in the same amount of time. As you improve, you can add to the challenge by riding over some of the features on course during your laps.

Moving Up?

Are you finishing in the top 5–6 riders every week? Can you ride every feature comfortably?
If you have a 20” tire and answered yes to the previous questions, you can consider moving to Beginner.

The Beginner’s Course is a closed circuit. Riders will complete as many laps as possible in 30 minutes. The course is longer, and considerably more challenging than the Kids Course. Your goal should be to have fun and hone your skills. Work towards completing more laps each week; as your confidence grows, challenge yourself to ride each of the features on course.

Moving Up?

Riders considering the move to Novice should be finishing in the top 5–6 for lap counts and riding all features on the Beginner course with confidence. A full lap of the Novice course will include 3–4X as much uphill climbing, and a full descent from top to bottom. The Novice category will involve being passed by more advanced riders on a shared course at high speeds.

The Novice Course shares laps with both Sport and Expert Riders. Novice riders will complete 1 lap of the full course at roughly 6–8 km. Novice riders will occasionally have designated routes that will remove technical portions of the course. Novice riders should be comfortable being passed by other riders. It is necessary that Novice Riders be able to complete a lap without a chaperone.

Moving up?

Riders considering a move to Sport should be finishing in the top 10 fastest for the Novice category. A move to sport will double the length of the ride and will remove all Novice course modifications. Riding the full course on a non-race night is recommended. Riders moving up should be able to ride most features on course without dismounting.

The Intermediate category will complete two laps of the Novice course, roughly 12 to 16 km total. An Intermediate rider should have the ability to tackle harder blues and easier blacks, while having the endurance to complete the two laps. Intermediate riders should also have the ability to overtake slower riders safely, with proper notification and a pass that does not impede the other rider.  

Moving up?

Riders considering a move to the Sport category should be finishing in the Top 10 of the Novice category. A move to Sport will be roughly the same distance, but will involve much more challenging terrain. Riding the full course on a non-race night is highly recommended.  

The Sport Course shares laps with both Novice and Expert Riders. Sport Riders will complete 2 laps of the full course at roughly 12–18 km total. A sport rider should have the endurance to ride 2 full laps, and the skill to handle riding most of the technical features they encounter on the trail at speed without dismounting. Sport riders should also have the capability to overtake a slower rider safely with a proper notification and a pass that does not impede the other rider.

Moving Up?

Riders considering a move to Expert should be finishing in the top 15 fastest for the Sport category. A move to Expert will require 3 full laps. Expert riders require considerably more endurance and should be able to ride all technical portions of the course without dismount.

The Expert Course shares laps with both Novice and Sport riders. Expert riders will complete 3 laps of the full course at roughly 18–25 km total. An Expert rider should have endurance for 3 full laps in under 1 hr and 20 min. It is recommended that riders unsure about their suitability for this category ride the course on a non-race night to test their times and confidence. Expert racers should possess the capability to overtake a slower rider safely with a proper notification and a pass that does not impede the other rider.

 

MTB Race Series FAQ

Kelso MTB Series kicks off with the first race on May 13, 2025 and runs every Tuesday until the last race on August 19, 2025. The finale will be held on August 26, 2025.

We offer 5 categories to choose from:

Kids Race – A dedicated short track that targets young riders. The course is exceptionally easy, rideable on run-bikes and nearly every other options. Parental assistance is encouraged if needed and the focus is on fun and accomplishment.


Beginner Race – A dedicated short track that is built for newer riders that want to build some skill and participate in a race environment. We recommend a minimum of a 20″ wheel as well as a handlebar controlled front, and rear brakes.


Novice – 1 lap of our full course. This is a great category for younger riders, or riders with less stamina or ability. You will ride with the sport and expert riders, but you will have your own separate start. The single lap makes this an easier full race option. Keep an eye out for the Novice Race Cut-offs on course!


Intermediate 2 laps of our Novice course. This is a great category for riders who have stronger endurance, but aren’t quite at the skill level of the sport riders. You will be on course with all the riders but have your own start time. Keep an eye out for the novice and intermediate cut off signs!  


Sport – 2 laps of our full course. This is typically our largest categories with a wide age and ability range. You should have the ability to manage 2 laps of the course without depleting your energy level to exhaustion. 2 laps may take you 45 min to an hour and 20 min. Sport riders should be more confident riding at faster speeds and comfortable with the 12 to 16 km (approx.) in length.


Expert – 3 laps of our full course. This is our most advanced category. Most riders in this pack have previous race experience, and can ride laps at reasonable speed with relative ease. Riders should be comfortable riding the longer distances at greater speeds. Expert riders will typically finish between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

Your ability will heavily dictate your race experience. Each ability category is based on a distance or # of laps… following that, your speed will dictate how long you will ride for.

  • Kids Lap = approx. 250m, ride as many laps as you can in 20 minutes
  • Beginner Race = 1.5 – 2 km, ride how ever many laps you can in 20 minutes
  • Novice Race = 1 lap of full course (usually 6 to 8 km) at a race pace
  • Intermediate = 2 laps of full course (roughly 12-16km) at race pace 
  • Sport Race = 2 laps of full course (12 to 16 km) at a race pace
  • Expert Race = 3 laps of full course (18 to 24km) at a race pace

As a general rule, our fastest riders can complete a full lap in roughly 18 to 20 min. While some of the more entry level riders will ride that loop in 35+ minutes.

You will select which category you want to ride in when you register. This should ideally be the category you wish to race in for the season. As a series rider you will earn points every time you race, these points are calculated based on the category you are in. If you wish to move UP a category (Sport to Expert for example) you will take your points with you and then begin to earn points within your new category. If you drop DOWN a category, we will need to wipe all your accumulated points to zero. We strongly recommend selecting one category and sticking with it for the season. That way you can focus on improving your times at that distance and then add laps in future years!

*In rare circumstances we will strongly “suggest” that a rider move up or down a category if there are safety or fair play concerns.

We have been proud to offer a FREE option for our newest riders for several years now and continue to do so in 2025! Kids wishing to come and try their hand on the kids loop are still welcome to come and do so for FREE. Those wishing to join us for the whole season, have their laps tracked and receive a draw ticket each week for some amazing prizes are now asked to pay a fee of $60+HST to cover some basic costs. If you wish to race for free, please come out to the start line and keep pace with the other riders! We won’t track your laps, but the focus is on having fun! If you decide you want to compete, you can always sign up in future weeks! You may sample the race as often as you would like.

 

Uh oh! Such is life… this does happen. If you happen to forget your race plate, we will replace it for you for a fee. Each replacement chip/plate is $10. Come see us at the Visitor Centre on race night and we can re-issue you a plate.

Our race season runs for the weeks scheduled.

We will only cancel a race if the trails are:

  • Too wet, muddy, or covered in water to ride safely
  • There is active thunder or lightning at the start of the race.
  • There is what we feel to be a relatively certain chance that it will be raining, up to or during the start of the race. i.e. If it is starting to rain at 3:00 pm, and the radar shows imminent storms for the area through the evening, and the forecast indicates the same or worse weather, we will cancel proactively.

About Heats: In 2024, we modified the format for our race series to include 4 heats with a make-up Flex evening built in. This format continues for the 2025 series. As an example, if one of the races from #1–3 had to be cancelled, the Flex Date for the first heat (June 3) would serve as a formal race counted towards end of series point totals. If all races 1-3 ran as planned, the Flex Date would be a break from racing with no formal race on that evening. Check the race schedule above throughout the season for the most up to date information on our scheduled race dates.

This page is your best and most frequently updated resource and will be updated whenever decisions on race cancellations are made. For more info, follow us on Facebook and Twitter! Follow us on social media (@ConservationHalton) and we will provide updates on races through the day. We will also post updates to our website, but will only do this once a decision has been finalized. Race cancellations are made with our best available detail / forecasts by 4:30 pm on race days. We would only cancel a race after 4:30 pm for emergency reasons such as a thunderstorm that was not in the forecast.

 

All Full Series Riders who register before Week #3 will receive a race t-shirt. We will issue these mid-season (early August). Wear them with pride!

 

Yes! The series is priced such that even if you miss a few races, it’s still cheaper to sign up for the series! It’s also a great way to support your trail network and sponsors!

 

Kelso Mountain Bike School


The trails are calling your name and there’s no better time to learn than now. Our team of MTB Instructors are here to introduce you to the trails, develop your skills, boost your confidence, guide you on epic rides and help you become the rider you want to be! Program offerings will target new riders, and the seasoned trail user; we will even have programs specifically designed to assist riders with improving their abilities for the Kelso MTB Race Series.

private lessons banner

A private lesson is a great way to build your skill and confidence while working one-on-one with an instructor. The individual attention allows each lesson to be completely catered to your skill and experience level. Lessons are two hours in duration. Each session includes instruction, ride time, bike assessment, and maintenance awareness. Those whom wish to add a friend or two can do so easily and build their own small group.

Private lessons are not available on a walk-in basis, so please visit parkvisit.ca to arrange your day and time. Our staff will have a few simple questions for you about your experience and equipment. We are also able to assist you with booking a rental bike.

Gate fees will still apply to MTB lesson participants

Duration:
One session of 2 hours

Availability:
Will be available through ParkPass Reservations to Kelso Summit once in-season (date TBD)

Pricing:
Coming soon

professional mountain bike instructor logo

The MTB School is proud to employ PMBI Pros. All programs are led by certified instructors.