SPONSORED BY
ABOUT THE PALMER CLASSIC
BACKCOUNTRY BIKE & SKI’S 11TH ANNUAL SAFE & SCENIC CYCLING EVENT
Each year, Backcountry Bike & Ski greets the sunny season with a scenic day of riding that’s welcoming for all levels. This is our 11th Annual event!
With 25-mile, 50-mile, or 100-mile route options, the Palmer Classic is a non-timed, non-competitive event that’s fun for the whole family. Pedal at your peak or take your time and enjoy the scenery — anything goes.
All routes begin in the charming downtown Palmer Quad (located behind the Palmer Depot and the Palmer Library at 655 S Valley Way). From the starting location, you’ll traverse through some of the most scenic sections of road & bike path riding in the area.
Staggered start times will be based on the route selected. Aid stations are available for each course and, as always, there’s cool swag!
Visit our Facebook Event Page for the latest event updates.
NAVIGATE TO:
REGISTRATION
OPEN APRIL 1, 2024 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.
LOCATION & PARKING
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.
BIB PICK-UP & EVENT START
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:
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- 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)
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ROUTES
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!
100-MILE ROUTE
8:00AM START
Ride to King River First
50-MILE ROUTE
10:00AM START
*STAY TUNED FOR UPDATED MAP FOR 2022
25-MILE ROUTE
11:00AM START
Ride Springer System First
AID STATIONS
BODENBERG BUTTE | KNIK RIVER LODGE
THERE WILL BE TWO AID STATIONS:
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.
SAFETY
TO ENSURE A SAFE, SCENIC & FUN EVENT FOR ALL, PLEASE ADHERE TO THESE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
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- 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.
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EVENT FINISH
YOU'VE FINISHED! NOW RELAX & ENJOY!
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- 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.
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HELP US AT THE PALMER CLASSIC
We couldn’t do it without the support of our volunteers.