For six years, there has been a little-known annual event for Cross Country racing right here in Musselshell County. Two hundred plus racers gather to come to the HorseCreekXC race on the ranch of Sid Adams, the race host, who reached out to the Roundup Record to let us know about the annual event. This year the event was held June 3rd,4th, and 5th.

The HorseCreekXC was started when Sid planned to race with his children in 2016 at Winifred, but the race cancelled due to rain, so the riders went out to Sid's father's ranch to ride. Someone suggested to Sid that they just do the race there. They hosted the race the next year, and it has been going on every year since then. They have about 200-225 riders every year.

Though this article is after the event, Sid wants to welcome and encourage any and all spectators to the future events to come. "We wish more local people would come out." There is a five-dollar gate fee to come and watch, and a ten-dollar camping fee for those who want to come and camp. Everyone is required to sign an insurance waver as they come through the gate for liability. There are concessions and tee-shirts and hats you can purchase. Sid also welcomes any vendors who are interested in coming for the coming years events.

Saturday the youth and the women's C class and girls have their own 10-mile course. They race for one and a half hours. Whoever does the most laps in the time, is the winner. Sunday is the pro race, when the faster racers, the men's class, the faster women, and the pros race. The class A riders, ride for about three hours. Then the class B riders race two and a half hours. They are part of an official race series called the 406XC Series. There are five races for points this year, the champion for the year accumulates the most points throughout the race season. However, each race has great prizes and pays out for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. There are also "Whole Shot" prizes, which goes to the first guy off of the line to a certain marked spot. The races pay out over $5000 worth of prizes and money.

Bikers show up Friday afternoon for a pre-ride Friday night where they can go out and just ride the course for about two hours so they can see if there is a danger spot that they want to try out so that it doesn't come as a surprise on race day. The Friday night pre-riders then race Saturday. Then Saturday night they have a pre-ride for the Sunday riders. Spectators can come and walk all over, but only the racers are able to ride on the course. Anyone can come and race, they do not have to be part of the series. However, they will not receive points, because you have to be signed up with the series before you race for points. "We have farm kids that show up with their bikes that they herd cows on just to see how they can do against people who do it every day".

The event is fun for the whole family. There is camping, firepits, BBQ's, and the great outdoors. To be sure you do not miss the next race, follow HorseCreekXC on Facebook, and email Sid at [email protected] for any information or questions.