The Merritt Crown

The Merritt Crown is a June mountain bike endurance race held at the Coutlee Plateau Mountain Biking Recreation Area, located near Merritt in British Columbia’s Thompson-Nicola region. Hosted by Heads or Trails, it features a 120 km Full Crown, a 60 km Half Crown, and relay options for teams of two or four over the 120 km distance. The event begins early in the morning, with the long race structured as a 12-hour challenge, distinct from a casual trail ride. Participants can register for the entire series at a reduced price. The Full Crown covers 120 km with 3,000 meters of climbing, featuring steep ascents, loose descents, and open, rolling grasslands throughout Merritt’s trail network. The Half Crown is 60 km with 1,500 meters of climbing; organizers note its terrain is comparable in difficulty to the full route. Hundreds of riders participate, including solo endurance racers and relay teams sharing the distance. Free on-site camping is available for tents, RVs, and trailers, though hookups and showers are not provided; portable toilets are on site. The event supports the Merritt Mountain Biking Association through fundraising.