Outdoor USA Magazine

Named among the “Top 33 Best Rides in North America” by Bike Magazine, Brown County, Indiana’s mountain biking trail system is fast becoming one of the most popular in the country. Further solidifying the area’s commitment to providing unparalleled experiences for the mountain biking enthusiast, the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau recently unveiled its mountain-bike friendly lodging accommodations program, developed in partnership with the Hoosier Mountain Biking Association.

“With more than 150 miles of trails within a half-hour of Brown County, more and more mountain bikers are discovering us,” commented Jane Ellis, Executive Director of the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “With the growing demand for our trails, we wanted to ensure our visitors would have a similarly spectacular experience once off the trails.”

In order to receive designation as a Brown County mountain-bike friendly accommodation, lodging properties must adhere to the following criteria: provide secure bike store or allow bikes to be taken into guest rooms; provide trail maps and driving/riding directions to trailheads; have roof-rack friendly driveways and height clearances; provide ground floor accommodations when available, or upon request and; welcome “dirty, stinky and potentially bloody people!”

Anchoring the area’s mountain biking trail system is Brown County State Park, the largest state park in Indiana. Its more than 25 miles of diverse terrain trails were designed from scratch by mountain bikers, for mountain bikers. The park has also played host to numerous mountain biking events over the years.

Upcoming Brown County biking events include:
•    Tour de Upland (August 20 – 21) – offering cycling, camping, music and craft beer.
•    Sub-9 Super D Race (August 21) – one of the few Super D events in the country to boast a 100% single track course.
•    September Escapade! (September 12 – 16) – a relaxed tour of central Indiana, hosted by state park inns.
•    Brown County Hills Challenge Bike Ride (September 30 – October 1) – consists of 25, 40, 50 and 100 mile paved road courses
•    7th Annual Brown County Mountain Bike Breakdown (October 8 – 9) – festivities at the Brown County State Park include bluegrass music, beer tastings, prize giveaways and trail riding through one of the largest contiguous hardwood forests in the Midwest.
•    Hilly Hundred (October 14 – 16) – A classic bicycle event designed for the touring bicyclist.

For additional information about Brown County events, tourist attractions and lodging accommodations, please visit the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau website at BrownCounty.com.