OPEN APRIL 1, 2025 FOR FIRST 250 PARTICIPANTS

Registration for the Palmer Classic is limited to 250 participants to keep the event safe & fun for all. There will be no on-site registration. Register early to secure your spot (and your swag!) Please note: The Palmer Classic relies on help from volunteers to make each event fun and successful. Please be aware that once registered, there are no refunds or registration transfers. 

655 S. VALLEY WAY | PALMER

Check in for bib pick-up at the Palmer Library behind the Palmer Depot (across the street from Vagabond Blues and adjacent to the lawn behind the Palmer Alehouse). The ride will start and end on S. Valley Way in front of the library. 

Please do not park on the main streets of downtown Palmer, in the library parking lot or in the parking lot behind Vagabond Blues. You will be away from your car for some time: Please leave these spots for customers of Palmer businesses. The parking lot of the Mat Su Borough Building (350 E. Dahlia) would be an excellent place to park as it is right by the finish line.

655 S. VALLEY WAY | PALMER**

BIB PICK-UP

All riders will check in and pick up their bib numbers prior to their start time. Bib pick up will be located outdoors in the Palmer Library Parking Lot (655 S. Valley Way). Plan to arrive 1 hour before your route’s scheduled start time to pick up your bib & swag and to prepare your gear. Please, no refunds, registration transfers or same-day registration. Thank you for understanding!

EVENT START

The three event categories will begin in a staggered start:

• 100-Mile: 8:00am START (Check-in at 7:00am)

• 50-Mile: 10:00am START (Check-in at 9:00am)

• 25-Mile: 11:00am START (Check-in at 10:00am)

100-MILE | 50-MILE | 25-MILE

Courses will be marked, but you can use the Strava maps below as a guide. We encourage you to download the GPX or TCX files to your compatible device to help with navigation. Please be sure to follow marked routes and be on the lookout for directions when approaching intersections!

THERE WILL BE TWO AID STATIONS: BODENBERG BUTTE AND KNIK RIVER LODGE 

1. BODENBURG BUTTE: Main aid station for the 25 mile ride. All riders will pass by this aid station twice. A port-a-potty will be available.

2. KNIK RIVER LODGE: Also serves as the turnaround point for the 50 and 100 mile riders. The fine folks at Knik River Lodge have graciously opened their doors to us for restroom use, or bar if you need! There is also an outhouse available for use at the Pioneer Peak Trailhead ( at approximately mile 4 of Knik River Road).

• Aid stations will offer water, drink mix, snacks and a restroom facility.

• If you abandon the ride PLEASE let an aid station volunteer know and check in at the finish line as well.

• Note to 100-Mile Riders: There will be no aid station at King River, however, there will be water and snacks available as you pass Backcountry Bike and Ski on your way to the Butte. There will also be no aid station at the top of “The Carrot.” Be sure to leave the Butte Aid Station with supplies to make the last 20 miles of riding.

TO ENSURE A SAFE, SCENIC & FUN EVENT FOR ALL, PLEASE ADHERE TO THESE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

• Ride with traffic.

• Use hand signals when turning.

• Ride single file. Do not ride more than two wide so vehicles can pass safely & easily.

• Use a rear bike light.

• Please be respectful of the residents on these routes.

• Be sure to follow the correct color route markers and be on the lookout for direction when approaching intersections.

• If you abandon the ride PLEASE let an aid station volunteer know and check in at the finish line as well.

YOU’VE FINISHED! NOW RELAX & ENJOY!

• All three distances have the same finish route and we will funnel all the riders through a finish line ending at the library (location to be confirmed closer to the event due to possible library construction).

• Remember to turn in the ticket you received at check-in for more swag! 

• Important: If you abandon the ride PLEASE let an aid station volunteer know and still check in at the finish line as well.

We couldn’t do this without the help of our volunteers. Please contact us if you’re interested in helping at aid stations, way-finding stations, set-up/check-in or take-down. Volunteers get cool swag, too!

Email us at backcountrybikeandski@gmail.com to learn more.