Capitol Forest

14 miles | 30 miles | 50 miles

We are sorry but we are cancelling all NWEpic Series races in 2023

To wrap up the season, we're heading to one of our favorite riding places: Capitol Forest, home of some of the most amazing singletrack in Washington.

We'd like to thank our non-profit partner, Friends of Capitol Forest, a mountain bike based non-profit dedicated to supporting recreation in, and stewardship of, Capitol Forest. With $5 of each rider's entry going to FOCF, in just the last few years we've been able to contribute over $10,000 to FOCF to build and maintain the trail system at Capitol Forest.

Get ready for an epic ride! With over 160 miles of singletrack trails, Capitol Forest is truly a mountain biker's paradise. The trails are well maintained, and most of the course is rolling, though there are some fireroad climbs and fast downhills. 80-90% of the course will be singletrack, with very little overlap due to the incredible number of superb trails out there. There will be plenty of aid stations along the course. Due to COVID protocols, we will provide limited, pre-packaged items at the aid stations. We hope to be back to providing our usual aid station grub in 2022! Thank you for your understanding, it is greatly appreciated. The course will be well marked and accurately measured. 

COVID Protocols

We'll be implementing COVID-safe protocols for this race. Download a PDF of our protocols.

Race Categories

Epic (50-mile)
— Male Open, Male 40-49, Male 50-59, Male 60+, Male Jr (17 and under)
— Female Open, Female 40-49, Female 50-59, Female 60+, Female Jr (17 and under)
— Singlespeed, Clydesdale 210+, Athena 165+, Non-Binary

Epic Lite (30-mile)
— Male Open, Male 40-49, Male 50-59, Male 60+, Male Jr (17 and under)*
— Female Open, Female 40-49, Female 50-59, Female 60+, Female Jr (17 and under)*
— Singlespeed, Clydesdale 210+, Athena 165+, Non-Binary

FSA 14-mile (these categories are not eligible for series awards) 
— Male Open, Male 40-49, Male 50-59, Male 60+, Male Jr (17 and under)*
— Female Open, Female 40-49, Female 50-59, Female 60+, Female Jr (17 and under)*
— Singlespeed, Clydesdale 210+, Athena 165+, Non-Binary

*Junior categories receive NWEpic points only in the 50-mile category

Hoodie

Your registration includes a full-zip hoodie! Sign up by July 31 to guarantee that you get the size you want.

Chip Timing

This year, we'll be using chip timing! If you already have a chip, use it (just let us know the number). If you don't have one, we'll provide you with one for a $5 deposit. You can either turn it in after the race and get your money back or keep it for future races.

FSA Loop 14-mile

For riders who want to try racing but not commit to the long distance or for those of you who want to push the limits and go Full Speed Ahead!

Directions

Race HQ is at Evergreen Sportsmen's Club, 12736 Marksman Road SW, Olympia WA, 98512

  • If you are coming from I-5, take Exit 95.
  • Follow WA-121 N for 0.2 Miles and Maytown Road NW for 2.9 Miles towards Littlerock, heading west.
  • In Littlerock, continue straight (don’t follow Maytown Rd) on 128th Ave SW for 0.8 Miles, then turn left on Mima Rd SW and follow for 1.3 Miles.
  • Turn Right and follow Bordeaux Rd SW for 0.7 Miles, then turn Right at Marksman Rd SW and follow for 1 mile (note: do NOT turn left into Mima Falls Campground but keep going). There will be signs along the way with our logo so please watch for those as you go.

Early packet pickup

  • Friday, 6:00-8:00pm, Evergreen Sportsmen's Club

Race Day Schedule

Bag Drop (no bag drop for FSA riders)

  • All bags leave for the Fall Creek Aid Station at 7:30am

50-mile Riders

  • 6:30am-8:00am - packet pickup
  • 8:00am START - Men Open, Women Open, SS
  • 8:10am START - Men Masters, Men 50+, Women Masters, Women 50+

30-mile Riders

  • 7:00am-8:30am - packet pickup
  • 8:30am START - Men Open, Men Masters, SS
  • 8:35am START - Men 50+, Women Open, Women Masters, Women 50+

14-mile FSA Riders

  • 8:00am-9:00am - packet pickup
  • 9:00am START - ALL FSA riders

Courses close at 6:00pm

Course Details

Download the Racer Information Packet.

Interactive map

Series Sponsors

 Thanks also to Series sponsor Hammer Nutrition. No matter the challenge, Hammer performs!

Other sponsors

The post-race party will be sponsored by Georgetown Brewery.

Neutral Support

Thanks to Joy Ride Bicycles for neutral support!

Safety

Many thanks to South Puget Sound Mobile Search and Rescue for being on hand in case we need them.

Movies

Friday night, at the start/finish area, we'll be showing movies outdoors (weather permitting). Come on out and join the fun!

Saturday food

Evergreen Sportsmen's Club (start/finish of the race)

Registration is limited to 250 riders.

Racers will be provided with a well-marked, accurately measured (we do our best but they are not 100% accurate) course with fully stocked aid stations every 10-15 miles that has Hammer gels, HEED electrolyte drink, bananas, peanut butter plus other goodies. In addition, registration also includes the following:

  • Camping: please re-register at https://www.campspot.com/book/shootevergreen. The fee varies depending on if you need a power hookup.
  • A post-race BBQ and beer (from Georgetown Brewing) for racers to refuel and enjoy
  • Capitol Forest logoed swag
  • Free drawing items, award medals and finisher pint glass
  • EMT and Search & Rescue on site
  • A portion of your entry fee goes directly to Friends of Capitol Forest to maintain and build new trails at Capitol Forest
  • Bike mechanics at the Fall Creek Aid station; self-service aid station at Wedekind

If you would like to see what previous participants had to say about this race please read our rider's testimonials