Big Mountain Enduro series, the premier mountain biking enduro tour in North America, which currently stops in the most picturesque vacation destinations throughout the rugged west, has announced that the first race of its 2021 calendar will be in… Missouri!

Yes, you read that correctly.

The brand-new Shepherd Mountain Bike Park in Ironton, Missouri, will feature some of the most steep, technical, and gnarly riding anywhere between the Appalachians and the Rockies. Race day on May 2, 2021, will feature five stages and upwards of 3,000 feet of climbing and descending, as well as an all-day party on top of the mountain with the stage starts right next to the DJ.

Designed by the same brainchild behind the awesome trails at Glorieta in Sante Fe, New Mexico, racers can expect a mix of tight, steep, and chunky tech, huge natural rock formations, and a roller coaster of trails that will leave them scratching their collective heads and wondering, “How in the world is the riding so good here!”

In addition to the quality stages, the city of Ironton offers a remarkable, friendly, small-town experience that is sure to lure racers back for years to come. Nestled in the Arcadia Valley, Ironton is centrally located in the middle of some of the most beautiful and fun outdoor experiences in the country. Johnson’s Shut-Ins and Elephant Rocks state parks both are a short drive away, as are legitimate white-water rapids on the St. Francois river or a relaxing day of floating on swift-but-calmer waters.

For a new adventure, unbeatable atmosphere and incredible stages, Shepherd Mountain is a can’t miss stop for the 2021 BME.