Welcome to the Nine-and-a-half hours of disco...
… the only nine-and-a-half hour mountain bike endurance race in the world* (*that we know of). This race is all about Community, Bikes, and Great Dirt. Join us for some seriously good times as we compete on a 10-mile looped race course at Discovery Hill in Salmon, Idaho. Challenge yourself or your friends as an individual or team to ride the most laps in NINE-AND-A-HALF hours. Also, don’t miss the 1-hour kids race, on a half-mile long course. And then, let’s celebrate trails and mountain bikes and old friends and new friends.
DATE: Saturday, May 4, 2024
TIME: 10:00 am to 7:30pm (Kids Race 1:00pm to 2:00pm). After-Party starts at 7:30pm
LOCATION: Discovery Hill Trail System, Salmon, Idaho
VENUE: RC Flyers Park at Discovery Hill
This event is permitted through a Special Recreation Permit issued to SIMBA from the BLM. Stipulations under this permit are incorporated into the Race Rules.
REGISTRATION UPDATES
4/10/24: WE’VE ADDED MORE SPOTS!
Good news! We were able to increase our cap for the race to 150 riders. We will soon be filling the additional spots off the waiting list, so if you want to ride the 9.5-hour race and you are not yet registered, get on that waiting list (see below)!! Hot Lap and Kids Race categories are still open for registration.
3/21/24: THE 9.5-HOUR RACE IS NOW FULL!
If you would like to get on the WAITING LIST for the 9.5-Hour Race, fill out and submit the registration form below, but DO NOT submit payment at this time. If space becomes available, we will notify you, at which time you can submit payment and complete your registration. Questions? Contact Bill at salmonidahomtb@gmail.com, or click the ‘CONTACT US’ button at the bottom of this page.
3/21/24: NEW CATEGORY – HOT LAP!
For those of you that would like the experience of an endurance mountain bike race without all the bike riding, we have opened up a limited number of spots in a new “Hot Lap” category. Hot or cold, it doesn’t actually matter, it’s just 1 lap of the 10-mile course, ridden any time during the day – no teams, no swag, no prizes, and it’s un-timed, but we’ll give you a cool Disco number plate and people will cheer for you! Register using the form below – it’s only $10. This is a great option if you didn’t get into the 9.5-Hour Race, or if you’d just like to ride a bit and hang out (or volunteer!) the rest of the time.
3/21/24: KIDS RACE – REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN!
Don’t forget the kids! This 1-hour race is the best event of the weekend, and it’s not to be missed!
What's DISCO all about?
The non-motorized trail system at Discovery Hill (aka Disco Hill) provides 30 miles of singletrack mountain biking trails in the foothills of the Beaverhead Range just outside of Salmon, ID. Over the past 2 decades, these trails have been transformed from cow trails into classic mountain bike routes through the hard work of a few notable trail heroes in partnership with Salmon Idaho Mountain Bike Association (SIMBA) and the BLM. Flowy cross-country singletrack through the sagebrush is the name of the game, with mostly intermediate difficulty trails.
Thanks to the vision of Max Lohmeyer, the Disco Mountain Bike Endurance Race was born in 2012, originally a 12-hour event to complete as many laps as possible in 12 hours. This evolved into the “12 and 24 Hours of Disco” on a 13-mile course, for many years attracting riders from all over the region. A 1-hour kids race was added in 2018.
Unfortunately, the Disco Race was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID, and although we struggled to get the race going again in 2022, we are thrilled to have brought the race back in 2023 with a new format and a shorter course that we hope to be accessible to many. The 2024 race will be much like the 2023 race, only 2 weeks earlier, before grazing season… no cows!
Expect this race to have a laid-back atmosphere, with a focus on community, bikes, and great dirt, without all the bells and whistles. Timing will be done the old fashioned way, and we hope to attract good competition for some sweet custom prizes. We keep the costs as low as possible, with any proceeds after race expenses going right back into trail stewardship in Lemhi County. We hope you’ll join us to kick off the 2024 riding season! Scroll down for more details, and feel free to contact us with any questions. See you in Salmon on May 4!
Bill MacFarlane, Race Director
Nine-and-a-Half Hours of Disco Sponsors
2024 Nine-and-a-Half Hours of Disco SPONSORS. These local businesses have provided financial support, raffle items, food and drink, services, and other items to help make this race a success. Please give them a big THANK YOU when you see them! This race would not be possible without their support!
- The HUB – Salmon’s bike shop! Go visit them down by the river for your last minute bike needs.
- Odd Fellows’ Bakery – Delicious baked goods right on Main Street, and providing fresh wood oven fired pizza at the venue on race day!
- Salmon River Clinic – Providing medical support at the venue, these are experienced local mountain bikers and experts at pulling cactus spines out of just about any body part, and much more!
- Alpenglow Physio – Cash-based Physical Therapy in Salmon Idaho, improving lives through movement.
- Highlander Beer – A great place to grab a slice and a beer on Main Street in Salmon, and donating race-day drinks for the 21+ crowd.
- Allora Medical Spa – For your sore muscles, providing chair massages at the venue on race day! Now we’re talkin!
- Salmon River Vision Clinic – Need to get your eyes focused on the trail? Go see Dr. Jones, a proud supporter of mountain biking in Salmon.
- Heidi Messner Custom Fish and Mountain Artwork – A talented local artist creating colorful scenes of the local outdoor scene. Don’t miss the raffle – an amazing piece of custom Heidi Messner Disco artwork will go home with 1 lucky person!
- Pep’s Septic – Helping us out with with the most basic of needs on race day.
- Orchestra Provisions – A local business providing the most ecologically regenerative, nutrient-dense protein source on the planet to keep you fueled up for the ride. Crickets!
- The North Fork Adventure Co. – Stop by for whatever you need on your way home (for you Montana folks), or on your next trip downriver.
- Lat 45 Cross Fit – A classy Cross Fit gym in downtown Salmon, in case 9.5 hours of riding wasn’t enough!
- Cole Insurance – A proud long-time supporter of mountain biking in Salmon, Idaho.
- Sturdy Pine Gear & Repair – Amazing outdoor gear for the river, the rink, or anywhere, from right here in Salmon, Idaho!
- Bing’s – Helping us out with our colorful banners – the local sign expert!
RACE FORMAT
THE 9.5-HOUR RACE
10-mile looped course on 99% singletrack trails on the Discovery Hill Trail System at the base of the Beaverheads. Approximately 1,100 feet elevation gain per lap. Check out the route on TRAILFORKS!
Solo riders: Complete as many laps as possible in 9.5 hours. Ride continuously, take lots of breaks, or just go “one-and-done” – it’s up to you!
Team riders: Trade laps with your teammate(s), and complete as many laps as possible AS A TEAM in 9.5 hours. Only 1 team member allowed on the course at any one time, and teammates must physically tag off in the start area. Keep scrolling down for ALL the rules.
THE KIDS RACE
1/2-mile looped course adjacent to the start/finish venue, with an optional 1/4-mile extension for the truly brave. Combination of 2-track and singletrack trails. Mostly flat with no big hills.
- Solo riders only. Complete as many laps as possible in 1 hour, and receive a cool prize after each lap. Everybody wins! Keep scrolling down for ALL the rules.
HOT LAP CATEGORY
For those who would like the experience of an endurance mountain bike race without all the bike riding, register for the “Hot Lap” category. Hot or cold, it doesn’t actually matter, it’s just 1 lap of the 10-mile course, ridden any time during the day – no teams, no swag, no prizes, and it’s un-timed, but we’ll give you a cool Disco number plate and people will cheer for you!
RACE CATEGORIES
(Note: categories may be added or consolidated depending on number of racers).
9.5-Hour – Men’s Solo – Age 18 and under
9.5-Hour – Men’s Solo – Age 19 to 49
9.5-Hour – Men’s Solo – Age 50 and over
9.5-Hour – Women’s Solo – Age 18 and under
9.5-Hour – Women’s Solo – Age 19 to 49
9.5-Hour – Women’s Solo – Age 50 and over
9.5-Hour – Men’s/Mixed Team – team of 2 OR 3 riders, at least 1 male rider, any age group (NOTE: We expect to split this into a Men’s Team category and a Mixed Team category)
9.5-Hour – Women’s Team – team of 2 OR 3 riders, all female, any age group
- Hot Lap – Just 1 lap, any time during the day
- Kids (Kids Race only) – Age 10 and under
150 RACER CAP (9.5-Hour Race) – REGISTER EARLY!!
EVENT HAPPENINGS
Nine-and-a-Half Hour Race for the grown-ups
One-Hour Race for the kids
An awesome place to just hang out if you’re more of a “one-and-done” kind of rider
Plenty of parking, free camping, and porta-potties
Music playing all day long
Food!
Beer!
Energy snacks and water available
Awesome custom prizes for each category
Special Prizes, Raffle, and SIMBA swag
After-party, bonfire, and music
Cool people
The Venue (RC Flyers Park)
We are graciously allowed to use the RC Flyers Park located on BLM lands, providing a 360-degree view of the Salmon Valley, the Lemhi Valley, and the Beaverheads. It doesn’t get any better than this! PLEASE STAY OFF THE RUNWAYS!! The asphalt is too thin to support bikes without damage. DON’T EVEN WALK ON THEM! Also, PLEASE remove all belongings and pick up your trash (including dog poop) by 11am on Sunday May 5.
CONSIDER BECOMING a SIMBA Member!
Salmon Idaho Mountain Bike Association (SIMBA) members will receive a $15 discount on registration for the Nine-and-a-Half Hours of Disco!
SIMBA is a local chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). Click the button below to become a member of SIMBA. You will join through the IMBA website. Inidividual memberships start at $39, and family memberships start at $50. We appreciate your support!
Register Online
INSTRUCTIONS
1) Registration is open March 4 to May 1, 2024.
2) REGISTRATION IS A 2-STEP PROCESS! You are NOT registered until we receive your REGISTRATION FORM AND A PAYMENT.
STEP 1: Fill out the registration form below (one registration form per person) and click ‘SUBMIT’ . If you are part of a team, make sure that you come up with a cool name, and each team member will need to register under that cool team name.
STEP 2: Submit Payment (see PAYMENT OPTIONS below). Consider becoming a member of SIMBA to take advantage of $15 off your registration for the 9.5-Hour race! Memberships start at $39, so this is a pretty good deal! Click the link above!
4) We will send you a personal confirmation of your registration once registration and payment are received. Note that this might take a few days. If you do not receive confirmation, it’s either in your spam folder, or you may not be registered, so please contact us!
5) Participant list will be updated at least weekly on our website.
6) REGISTRATION WILL BE CAPPED at 150 participants total for the 9.5-Hour Race! Last minute registration (after May 1) is possible, but not guaranteed.
COST
All payments are donations to Salmon Idaho Mountain Bike Association (SIMBA), a non-profit organization. Any proceeds after race expenses go right back into trail stewardship in Lemhi County.
- Solo or Team: $60 per participant (non-SIMBA member) OR $45 per participant (SIMBA Member)
- Hot Lap (1 lap only): $10
- Kids race (10 and under): $10
- Spectators: FREE!
PAYMENT OPTIONS
1) PayPal: Click the ‘PayPal’ button below.
2) Credit / Debit Card: Click the ‘Debit or Credit Card’ button below (no PayPal account needed). Easy peasy.
3) Venmo: Click the Venmo button below to pay to our PayPal account using Venmo. Mobile users: you will then complete the transaction using the Venmo App. Note – the Venmo button will only appear on iOS Safari or Android Chrome browsers, and only if the Venmo app is installed on your device. If you’re still having trouble, make sure that web-based transactions are enabled in the app. Desktop users: a QR code will appear- scan with your mobile device, and pay using the Venmo App. If you don’t see a Venmo button below, try using Chrome as your browser.
4) Pay by check: Mail a check to Salmon Idaho Mountain Bike Association, c/o Bill MacFarlane, 24 Arrowhead Dr, Salmon, ID 83467 (make the check out to “Salmon Idaho Mountain Bike Association”).
3) Contact us to make other payment arrangements.
STEP 1: SUBMIT REGISTRATION FORM
All 9.5-Hour Race categories are FULL
To get on the WAITING LIST for the 9.5-Hour Race, submit the form below, but DO NOT submit payment at this time. We will contact you if a spot opens up, and you can submit payment at that time to secure your spot.
The Hot Lap Category is OPEN
To register, submit the form below, and submit a $10 payment. We only have a limited number of spots!
The 1-Hour Kids Race is OPEN.
To register, submit the form below, and submit a $10 payment.
STEP 2: SUBMIT PAYMENT
All payments are donations to Salmon Idaho Mountain Bike Association (SIMBA), a non-profit organization. Any proceeds after race expenses go right back into trail stewardship in Lemhi County.
Solo/Team Member: $60 (non-SIMBA Member)
Solo/Team Member: $45 (SIMBA Member)
Hot Lap: $10
Kids Race: $10
Safe and Secure
All 9.5-Hour Race categories are FULL
The Hot Lap Category is OPEN
The 1-Hour Kids Race is OPEN
ONLY submit payment if you are registering for the 1-Hour Kids Race, the Hot Lap Category, or if you have been given an open spot from the waiting list for the 9.5-Hour Race.
SEE WHO's REGISTERED
Click the button below to see who’s registered or to check your registration. This will be updated at least weekly. If you have any questions about your registration or would like to make any changes to your registration, please contact us.
Volunteer to Help
We are in need of a few volunteers to help at the timing table during the race during 2-hour time slots, and to help run the Kids Race. This is a great opportunity to relax and cheer on your favorite mountain bikers. Contact us if you’re interested, or register as a volunteer using the registration form above, and we will contact you to confirm and assign a time slot. Each Volunteer will get a COOL PRIZE!!
More Important Things To Know
Cancellations/Refunds
SIMBA will refund registration payments if the event is cancelled because of weather or other natural event, although people will have the option to donate their refunded registration payments to SIMBA. Cancellations more than 1 week prior to the event will be refunded. Cancellations less than 1 week prior to the event will not be refunded. No refunds will be given if weather cancels the event part-way through.
Schedule of Events
Friday, May 3, 2024
- 12:00pm: Disco Race Venue opens
- 7:00pm – 9:00pm: Racer check-in
Saturday May 4, 2024
- 7:30am – 12:30pm: Racer check-in, continued (9.5-hour racers MUST be checked in by 9:00am!)
- 9:15am: Racer meeting to go over the course and rules
- 9:45am: Opening Ceremony
- 10:00am: Nine-and-a-Half Hour race starts
- 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Kids Race, followed by awards
- 7:30pm: Nine-and-a-Half Hour race ends
- 7:30pm – 10:00pm: After-party, awards
Sunday, May 5, 204
- 12:00pm: Disco Race Venue closes
9.5-Hour Race Rules and Format
- Participants will check in Friday May 3 between 7:00 and 9:00pm, OR on Saturday May 4 between 7:30 and 9:00am at the race staging area to pick up number plates, race info, sign liability waiver, and sign photo release.
- Bikes must be clean upon arrival. We will check to make sure bikes are clean during check-in. DIRTY BIKE = NO RACE! This is a BLM requirement to prevent the spread of nasty weeds on our beautiful trails. We will send you to the car wash if your bike is not clean!
- You must WALK your bike through the timing chute (obey the signs), or you will be disqualified! This is needed for safety, dust control, and to allow the timers to check you in for each lap.
- Be nice. No cheating. No littering. No e-bikes.
- No shortcutting the course (unless you are having an emergency)
- Yield to other trail users.
- Only one team member is allowed on the course at one time. Team members must physically tag off in the staging area.
- If you are unable to complete a lap for your team, you can cancel the lap, and that lap will not be counted as completed. Another rider on your team can then start a new lap.
- Helmets must be worn while riding.
- Yield to faster riders, unless you really really think you can beat them up the hill.
- Don’t ride intoxicated.
- Mechanical – you’re on your own.
- Course will be closed in the event of significant rain. You probably know why.
- Stay on the trail – no cutting, no passing off-trail.
- Beware of rattlesnake, ticks, and cows. Use extreme caution at the 2 road crossings of BLM 121.
- Solo riders must complete at least 2 laps to be eligible for a prize.
- A team must complete at least 4 laps (with each team member completing at least 1 lap) to be eligible for a prize.
- Placing will be determined for each category based on the total number of laps completed. In the event of a tie, the winner will be the rider with the faster total elapsed time.
Timing will be done the old fashioned way. It is your responsibility to make sure that the timers check you in for each lap!!
Kids Race Rules and Format
- Kids Race participants will check in between 7:30am and 12:30pm at the race staging area to pick up number plates, race info, sign liability waiver, and sign photo release.
- Bikes must be clean upon arrival. We will check to make sure bikes are clean during check-in. DIRTY BIKE = NO RACE! This is a BLM requirement to prevent the spread of nasty weeds on our beautiful trails. We will send you to the car wash if your bike is not clean!
- Solo participants only.
- The Kids Race is open to any kid 10 years old or younger who can ride, stride, or push a bike along a trail, with or without parental support.
- The Start/Finish area will be separate from the nine-and-a-half hour race – located just outside of the northeast corner of the RC park.
- Kids will do laps around a 0.5-mile long race course consisting of double track and singletrack.
- On each lap, each kid will have the option of just completing the 1/2-mile loop, or adding on a 1/4-mile extension to the loop.
- The course will be monitored by volunteers to ensure that kids do not go astray, and the course will be marked with yellow flagging.
- Helmets must be worn while riding.
- Stay on the trail – no cutting, no passing off-trail.
- After each lap, each kid will receive a prize to attach to their bike handlebar, frame, helmet, or body.
- The kid(s) with the most prizes attached wins, but in the end, everybody wins!
- Cheering for the kids is required by all – they are the future of mountain biking!
DISCO Merchandise
We have Nine-and-a-Half Hours of Disco T-shirts and Hats! Click the button below to see SIMBA merchandise that is currently available for purchase by donation. We will also have these and additional items available for purchase by donation at the race venue.
THE DISCO ARCHIVES: 2023
We’d like to thank the following sponsors for helping to make this race happen in 2023.
2023 PHOTO GALLERY
2023 Results
For complete race results, click the buttons below.
NOTE: Lap times were calculated based on when the rider left the start gate, and they do not include time spent off-course between laps (ie, in the start corral or in the venue). For solo riders with on-course pit areas, lap times include pit time. Timing was done by hand, and errors may exist. Feel free to contact us if you see any errors in your times, and we will make corrections.
2023 Nine-and-a-Half Hours of Disco Results Summary:
9.5-Hour Race: 95 participants, 360 laps of a 10-mile course, 3600 miles ridden.
Kids Race: 13 participants, each riding between 5 and 12 laps of a 0.7-mile course, over 100 miles ridden.
Solo Men (Age 0-18): 1. Killian Smith (4 laps). 2. Tarn MacFarlane (3 laps).
Solo Men (Age 19-49): 1. Phil Higuera (9 laps). 2. James Hendershott (8 laps).
Solo Men (Age 50+): 1. Vince Archer (9 laps). 2. Bear Stillwagon (9 laps).
Solo Women (Age 0-18): 1. Amara MacFarlane (2 laps)
Solo Women (Age 19-49): 1. Amelia Fass (6 laps). 2. Megan Sutton (5 laps).
Solo Women (Age 50+): 1. Karoline Droege (8 laps). 2. Dawn Whaley (4 laps).
Team – Men (All Ages): 1. Spindoctors Performance (10 laps). 2. Shardison et al. (9 laps).
Team – Mixed (All Ages): 1. Team Ramrod (8 laps). 2. Seal Cub Clubbing Club (8 laps).
Team – Women (All Ages): 1. MBSR (8 laps). 2. Wram (7 laps).
Men’s Fastest Lap: Phil Higuera (47:48)
Women’s Fastest Lap: Amelia Fass (55:30)
Best Dressed: James Hendershott, Disco Lady Ballers (Laci McLaran and Kylie Paul)
Most Awesome family: the Van Cleaves