Northern Ohio Mountain Bike Series Announces 2026 Schedule and State Championship

CLEVELAND, OH — As cyclists across the region prepare their gear for the upcoming year, the Northern Ohio Mountain Bike Series has officially released its eight-race lineup for the 2026 season. The series, often referred to as NOMBS, represents a significant expansion of the grassroots racing scene that first began to take shape around 2022. It has since grown into the official USA Cycling state championship series for Ohio, drawing both professional racers and weekend hobbyists to some of the most challenging terrain in the Midwest.

The 2026 season is scheduled to kick off April 26 at Camp Tuscazoar in Dover. This historic site, once a destination for Boy Scouts, now serves as a premier location for technical cross-country racing. According to the NOMBS organization, the series follows a points-based structure in which riders compete across multiple skill levels, ranging from youth divisions for children under 9 to professional and adaptive racing categories. After the season opener, the tour moves to Vultures Knob in Wooster on May 31. This venue is widely regarded by the local cycling community as one of the most technical and demanding private trail systems in the state.

The series makes a notable stop in Perrysville on June 14 for the "My Roar Is Louder!" event at Mohican State Park. This specific weekend focuses on women's participation in the sport, featuring separate races and equal payouts to promote inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated field. NOMBS is not a corporate entity but a "run by riders" initiative. Local bike shops, trail advocacy groups and regional teams collaborate to host each event.

While the competition is fierce, the organization emphasizes a community-first mindset, maintaining a culture rule that encourages sportsmanship and discourages aggressive behavior on and off the trails. A midseason time trial is set for July 12 in Medina, offering a different format in which racers compete against the clock for a single lap. This leads into the most prestigious event of the year: the Ohio Mountain Bike State Championship.

This race is scheduled for Aug. 2 in Ravenna, likely returning to the rugged trails at West Branch State Park. The final stretch of the season heads west for the Battle of Toledo on Sept. 6, followed by a race at Lake Milton in Berlin Center on Sept. 27. Proceeds from these events are frequently funneled back into the local community. Past races have raised thousands of dollars for youth cycling programs and the maintenance of the trail systems used during the series. The season will conclude where much of its history resides, returning to Vultures Knob in Wooster for the finale Oct. 11.

This final race is particularly critical for those vying for the series trophy, as it typically offers double points that can shift the final standings. All participants are required to follow standard USA Cycling safety protocols, which include mandatory helmet use and a one-bike rule for the duration of each race.

Registration for the series typically opens several months in advance through the official NOMBS portal or USA Cycling's event registration system. Participants must hold a valid USA Cycling license or purchase a one-day permit to compete in the sanctioned brackets. For more information on category requirements or to view specific course maps, residents can visit the Northern Ohio Mountain Bike Series website.

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