Rifle's Grand Hogback Extravaganza Returns for Sixth Year

Rifle —The air in Rifle, Colorado, carries a specific weight on a crisp October morning. It is the scent of pine needles drying in the sun, mixed with the faint, metallic tang of brake dust and the distant rumble of tires on gravel. For Ari Philipson, the president of the Rifle Area Mountain Biking Organization (RAMBO), that smell isn’t just atmospheric; it is a signal. It means the sixth annual Grand Hogback Extravaganza is hours away, and the community is gathering.

Philipson remembers a specific moment from a previous year that captures the chaotic, joyful spirit of this event. He was riding near one of the stations when a wave of young riders descended upon him, and he found himself “pied in the face by nearly 100 kids.” It was a messy, loud, and entirely unscripted moment. But it wasn’t an accident of bad planning; it was the point. As Philipson told the Post Independent, “We really try to make it fun, not a race, and promote that inclusivity for all.”

The event kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the trail system in Rifle. While it carries the word "Extravaganza," the format is less a traditional competition and more a large-scale group ride with a twist. For adults, the day centers on a poker run competition spread across seven stations throughout the 20-mile network. Riders draw playing cards at each stop, aiming to assemble the best possible hand. The strategy is simple but engaging: ride further, return to a station you’ve already visited, and trade your cards. It rewards those who push their limits without demanding the precision of a timed race.

For the younger crowd, the focus shifts to carnival-style games that earn raffle tickets for arcade-style play. RAMBO is deliberate about this duality, ensuring the event feels as engaging for a child on their first bike as it does for a veteran tackling black-diamond terrain.

The trails themselves are the backdrop, and they are as varied as the riders who use them. Family-friendly flow loops range from a quarter-mile to a half-mile, circling back to the parking lot with turns and optional obstacles designed to build confidence. On the other end of the spectrum, experienced riders can dive into rocky, technical sections and man-made bike park-style features. Philipson notes that the nearly 20 miles of trail are meant to be progressive, allowing riders of all ability levels to find a path that suits their style.

Since RAMBO began developing the Grand Hogback trails six years ago, this annual event has served as a key fundraising and community connecting effort. Founded in 2010 with a focus on the Hubbard Mesa trail system, the organization has evolved to embrace this new landscape. Beyond the riding, a parking lot party offers a space for riders to connect off their bikes. “It is quite a big party in the parking lot, and it’s just a great way for people to come, check out the community, be a part of the vibe,” Philipson said.

The ridge sits on the edge of town, offering views stretching far into the valley. As the sun begins to dip lower on Saturday, casting long shadows across the switchbacks, the trails will quiet down. The noise of the crowd will fade into the wind moving through the pines, leaving behind only the smell of cold air and the quiet satisfaction of a day spent outside.