There’s a moment in every ride when the city fades behind you, the air cools, and the mountains open up in front of you — quiet, wide, and full of possibility. That’s the experience we’re bringing to LA Critical Mass.

Our new XC mountain biking program invites you to trade pavement for panoramic views, discover routes you’ve never imagined, and ride together in a way that feels fresh, challenging, and unforgettable. If you’ve ever wanted to push your endurance, explore new terrain, or simply see Los Angeles from above, this is your next adventure.

LA Critical Mass has always been about movement, community, and exploring Los Angeles together. As our rides continue to grow, we’re expanding beyond city streets and into the mountains with a new program centered on XC (cross‑country) mountain biking — the endurance‑focused, accessible side of off‑road cycling.

XC mountain biking is built around long‑distance adventure, scenic terrain, and group unity. It’s the perfect fit for our community of road cyclists, fixed‑gear riders, BMX riders, and anyone ready to experience a new dimension of riding.

Why XC Mountain Biking?

XC is the most approachable form of mountain biking. Instead of steep drops or extreme downhill features, XC focuses on:

Fire roads
Service roads
Mild singletrack
Rolling climbs
Smooth, predictable descents

It’s designed for exploration and endurance, making it ideal for riders who enjoy long miles and shared movement.

A Discipline That Matches Our Culture

XC mirrors the same energy that defines LA Critical Mass:

Group‑focused riding
Long‑distance stamina
Scenic routes
Accessible terrain
A welcoming environment for all skill levels

It’s simply the off‑road version of what our community already loves.

The Bikes Built for XC

XC bikes are engineered for comfort and efficiency over long distances. They feature:

Lightweight frames
Fast‑rolling 29” wheels
Short‑travel suspension
Wide‑range gearing
Balanced geometry for all‑day riding

These bikes make mountain riding smooth, stable, and enjoyable — even for riders new to off‑road terrain.

XC Mountan bike riding to get an idea with what we will be riding.

What Our XC Rides Will Look Like

Our upcoming XC rides will explore the mountains across Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, including:

High‑altitude ridgelines
Forest routes
Flowing singletrack
Scenic fire roads

We avoid extreme downhill terrain, rock gardens, and technical features. XC is about distance, not danger.

Fully Supported Rides

Just like our century rides, every XC event includes:

Support vehicles
Hydration and snacks
Gourmet meals
Energy boosts
Fully scouted routes

We make sure every rider feels supported from start to finish.

Access for All Riders

To make XC accessible, we’re developing partnerships to offer:

Free demo bikes
Low‑cost rentals
Opportunities to test XC bikes

All XC rides are free for registered participants.

A New Way to Ride Together

XC mountain biking brings LA Critical Mass into a new world of riding — high above the city, surrounded by nature, powered by endurance, and strengthened by community. It’s the next evolution of our movement, and we’re excited to ride it with you.

Though we won’t be bike packing, Betty’s video adventure shows you how fun it can be riding long distance mountain biking. All our ride routes will be thoroughly planned out and nothing techy or dangerous. First timers will be able to ride our routes. We will ride maintained fire roads and single tracks in Southern California.

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