Frequently Asked Questions
Points, categories, costs, licensing, gear, and registration — answered. Still stuck? Reach out and we'll help.
What is the Utah Gravity Series, and who runs it? ＋
The Utah Gravity Series is the premier downhill mountain bike racing circuit for Utah and the Intermountain West, produced by Salamander Racing. The 2026 season runs five race-days across three mountains — Showdown at Sundance, the Flyin’ Brian double-header at Brian Head, and the Pomerelle Pounder finale — with Series Champions crowned at season’s end.
What’s the 2026 race schedule? ＋
Five race-days across three venues: Showdown at Sundance (Sundance Mountain Resort, UT) on May 31; the Flyin’ Brian double-header (Brian Head Resort, UT) on June 27–28; and the Pomerelle Pounder finale (Pomerelle Mountain Resort, Albion, ID) on August 1–2. See each race detail page for courses, registration, and day-of schedules.
How does the series points system work? ＋
Each racer’s best four of five scoring rounds are totaled after the final race of the season (Pomerelle Sunday). To be eligible to medal in the series, you must place in at least three downhill races. Only racers finishing in the top 10 of their category/class earn points. Brian Head and Pomerelle are each two-DH-race weekends — full, separate points are awarded to the top 10 cat/class finishers each day.
What categories race for series points? ＋
Pro, Category 1, and Category 2 race for series points and season-end Series Champion titles. Category 3 (Novice) state champions are determined separately by 1-day results at Flyin’ Brian.
What are the age classifications for each category? ＋
Pro: Men and Women race open with no age breakdown. Category 1: Junior Men 13–18, Senior Men 19–29, Master Men 30–39 / 40–49 / 50+, Women open. Category 2: Junior Men 9–12, 13–15, 16–18; Junior Women 13–18; Senior Men 19–29; Master Men 30–39 / 40–49 / 50+; Senior/Master Women 19+.
What’s the race format? ＋
True gravity racing — a one-run format with strict one-minute start intervals. When you leave the start gate, it’s just you against the clock. Finish times typically run several minutes, depending on the course.
Can I race an Enduro bike, or do I need a dedicated downhill bike? ＋
Either works. Both dedicated downhill rigs and modern long-travel Enduro bikes are popular and competitive on our tracks. Run whatever suits you, the terrain, and the day — bike-handling skills and endurance matter more than the type of bike.
What does it cost to race? ＋
Early registration is typically $90 per race when postmarked by the published deadline, with on-site registration adding $10 (Sundance) or $10–$20 (Brian Head). Brian Head also offers a $120 early / $130 on-site weekend bundle. Cash or check only at on-site registration.
How do I register? ＋
Each race has its own bikereg.com listing — Sundance is bikereg.com/sundance-showdown; Flyin’ Brian is bikereg.com/flyin-brian. You can also register by mail with a check or money order made out to Salamander, sent to: Salamander Racing, 61 E. 2050 N., Provo, UT 84604. No day-of registration for any race in the series.
Are the race fields capped? ＋
Yes. Each downhill has an entrant limit — the Sundance race is capped at 180, and the Brian Head Sunday race is limited to the first 140 entrants. Register early online to lock in your spot; on-site entry is only available if the field hasn’t filled.
Are registration fees refundable? ＋
No. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, so be sure of your plans before you sign up.
Do I need a USA Cycling license? ＋
Yes. Annual USA Cycling base memberships are required in addition to a racing license — $40 if purchased online at usacycling.org ($50 at the event). Racing license fees: ages 6–18 free, ages 19–22 are $35 online / $40 at event, ages 23+ are $75 online / $80 at event. Unlicensed riders can purchase a 1-day USA Cycling license — $15/day for Novice (Cat 3) racers. "Experienced" 1-day licenses for Pro, Cat 1, and Cat 2 racers must be purchased in advance at usacycling.org.
Are lift tickets included in my entry fee? ＋
No. Lift fees are not included in race entry. Each resort offers a discount code for race participants — Sundance uses showdown26, Brian Head uses FlyBri26.
When does practice open? ＋
Practice opens on the day before each race once the host resort’s chairlift starts running. Specific times vary by venue — see each race detail page for the day-of schedule. Lift fees are NOT included in race entry; purchase a lift pass for each day you plan to ride.
What gear should I wear? ＋
The Utah Gravity Series does not require specific gear, but we strongly recommend a full-face helmet for every run, practice included. Beyond that, wear as much protection as you can — knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, neck brace, body armor. Run what suits your bike, the terrain, and the day. We'd rather see you over-protected than under.
Is there prize money? ＋
Yes — at the Flyin’ Brian, both days pay a cash purse to Pro Men and Pro Women, in addition to Utah Gravity Series points.
Can spectators watch the races? ＋
Absolutely. Spectators are welcome — at most venues you can buy a scenic lift pass to ride up and watch from the mountain, with preferred viewing areas near the finish line and food and drink available at the host lodge.
What is Safe Sport, and where can I review the policies? ＋
Athlete safety is a top priority for USA Cycling and the Utah Gravity Series. Every participant at a USA Cycling–sanctioned event must follow the U.S. Center for SafeSport policies, including the reporting requirements and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP). You can review the policies in full — they’re also linked from the Safe Sport section of our Racer Info page.Review Safe Sport policies ↗
Looking for the full rules, categories, and points table? See the Racer Info page.
Get in touch with the series.
Race-day questions, registration help, sponsorship, or volunteering — send us a message.