PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Every Tuesday evening during the summer, dozens of bikers come to Springside Park in Pittsfield for some friendly mountain bike racing.

"It's open to all racers of all ages and skill levels,” said Garrett Pullie, director of the Berkshire Mountain Bike Training Series. “We run six different classes, from balance bikes and training wheels, all the way up to four-lap elite racers."

What You Need To Know

  • There are weekly mountain bike races at Pittsfield’s Springside Park

  • The races are open to all ages and skill levels

  • About 150 racers come each week, some have been coming for years, others are just getting started

  • The goal is to have fun and grow the sport of mountain biking

The night starts with a kids race around the playground before the more experienced riders head off onto the course through the woods.

It can seem a little intimidating, but Pullie said they make sure everyone is welcome.

"We offer a really very friendly environment that you can kind of get your feet wet in,” said Pullie. “Our one-lap class is typically where we start our beginner racers, it has a sweeper, so that means you won't be left out on the course, there's always someone that's a race official who's riding behind you."

They typically get about 150 racers each week, and some, like Hannah Manzolini, have been coming for years...

"I remember doing the kids races when I was a kid and racing with some of my buddies that we've just seen grow throughout the races,” said Manzolini. “And I remember mentoring this little one..."

"I've only been doing it for one year,” said Adalynn LaPlante, one of Manzolini’s friends. “I've biked with her and my aunt who's got me into it, so it's been a whole process."

Others, like Mike Mazzantini, are just starting off.

"It's my second race,” said Mazzantini. “I love it, it's a great place. I'm shocked at the turnout here. It's just a fun thing to do on a night after work."

There's no official results, but the races are still competitive. The goal is to grow the sport and push each other to get better.

"People like to ride bikes, we like to ride bikes,” said Pullie. “It's something we're very enthusiastic about. It promotes good, hearty competition, but ultimately it's just about having fun."