06/11/2026
🚨🚨 Course Description 🚨🚨
The Red Bird Crest 80K and 40k will feature an epic course with lots of rocky features, single track, climbs, and amazing descents. This course will challenge your physical fitness and your bike handling.
Course description 80k-
The 80k course will storm out of the Peabody Trail Head into section 1-5 of the crest trail. the first major climb comes quick as you climb out of the river bottoms to the long ridges this region of Ky is known for. Enjoy some very flowy trail with some super technical rock gardens scattered throughout for the next ~10 miles. Around mi 10 you will arrive at the first SAG location. Get Outside KY will provide bike repairs and assistance. There will also be water and race snacks available.
As you leave the first SAG stop you will have a short climb to get back to the ridge top. The next 6 mi is a very fast rolling section. This is the time to pedal hard and cover some ground. The end of this section will greet you with a technical descent. Take care of your equipment here a puncture in these big rock gardens could ruin your day. after this descent, the 80k and 40k course will split. The 80k course will continue straight across the gravel road to climb up to another ridge. This next section is about 7 mi long and features some of the best riding in southeastern ky. With dozens of switchbacks and flowy trail you will have a smile on your face as you grind away. After this section you will arrive at the next SAG station ~mi 25. This is the most remote part of the race. Utilize our drop bag service at this stop, you've earned it.
For the next ~7 mi it's time to work your way off the ridge and into the river bottoms. Expect some beautiful rock outcroppings and a few creek crossings. you will exit the crest trail onto Elijah Creek R let me d. Follow the signs as you cross onto HWY 66 and onto HWY 2000. These are super low traffic roads but keep a whery eye for traffic. This will be a great time to refuel for what awaits.
Sag #3 is at ~mi 40. why a SAG stop with only 10 miles togo? The best singletrack in all of Southeastern KY. As you exit HWY 2000 a techy wet creek crossing will mark the start of a long climb. Large cliffs will provide amazing views as you grind away at this last big climb of the day. Switchbacks will aid your accent up the mountain. Use this as a opportunity to gauge how far the competition is behind you. As you top this ridge congratulations its (mostly) downhill from here. If you were brave enough to pedal a longer travel bike to this point your in for a treat. Lots of rocks, tights turns, and skinny trails are instore for you till the end. with about 4 miles to go you will begin and epic decent. Lots of technical rocky turns and drops are on the menu. Don't overheat your brakes! This is a serious descent. As you exit the single track pedal across hwy 66 back to the Peabody Trailhead and cross the finish line.
Course description 40K-
The 40k course will storm out of the Peabody Trail Head into section 1-5 of the crest trail. The first major climb comes quick as you climb out of the river bottoms to the long ridges this region of Ky is known for. Enjoy some very flowy trail with some super technical rock gardens scattered throughout for the next ~10 miles. Around mi 10 you will arrive at the first SAG location. General bike tools water and race snacks, will be available.
As you leave the first SAG stop you will have a short climb to get back to the ridge top. The next 6 mi is a very fast rolling section. This is the time to pedal hard and cover some ground. The end of this section will greet you with a technical descent. Take care of your equipment here a puncture in these big rock gardens could ruin your day. after this decent the 80k and 40k course will split. The 40K course will turn right onto Gilberts Creek and follow the river bottom to Sugar Creek. Keep an eye out for elk they often frequent these creek banks. A nice hard pack gravel road climb back up to the ridge will have you searching for traction. You will rejoin the Crest Trail with about 5 mi to go. ITS GO TIME! With a mostly downhill grade, pedal hard and race back to the line.
