Records to beat from 2025: 37s (Sandy Sweet & Riley Dunn), 46s (Rebecca G), and 23 open-field laps in an hour (Rob Legge). Read the ’25 recap.
If you’ve been to Slake Brewing, you know about their driveway. It can’t be that hard, right?
We think it’s a worthwhile challenge, and a top contender for the best Strava segment in the region. On Sunday, November 8, 2026 we’re back at Slake Brewing for the fifth annual hill climb up the segment called the Slake Snake 🐍. Tickets are $40, and the Open Field is free to ride if you just want to give it a go.
Slake Brewing, 181 Mowbray Rd, Picton — check-in at 10:00 AM, rain or shine.
How It Works
Open Field
Ride the Slake Snake segment as many times as you want during the open event. Record your best time!
Knockout Challenge
The top 8 fastest riders compete head-to-head in elimination rounds to crown the champion.
Prizes & Celebration
Awards for fastest times, most attempts, and knockout participants — then hang around the top of the hill for tacos and a pint.
Our event is open to our entire community, with challengers ranging from parents with toddlers on board, to dogs in trailers, and the few experienced racers who make the knockout challenge extra fun to watch! Wave to the spectators or put the pedal to the metal to secure your spot on the leaderboard — it’s up to you!
Slake Snake Hill Climb Ticket
$40 — race entry, a Slake beer token, a Slake Snake sticker pack, and a little bonus in the bag
Don’t forget to rally up your spectators and rig them with bells and whistles to cheer you on from the sidelines.
Warm up with Rebel Taco eats and Slake brews after your effort.
The Slake Snake Hill Climb is here to provide your last dose of outdoor cycling adrenaline before spring.
IS THIS A REAL RACE?
No and Yes. Each year brings different riders who change the dynamic of the knockout challenge. Sometimes the challengers are really fast and make for a heat that feels like a race. However, most riders arrive with a mix of abilities, making for a bunch of fun heats to watch and cheer on.
WHO GETS TO ENTER?
You and your friends and everyone else.
CAN I ENTER ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT?
Yes. Anyone can show up and ride the Open Field for free. If you’d like to be scored in the challenge and eligible for prizes, grab a $40 ticket — online ahead of time is easiest, and we can sort you out at check-in if you leave it to the day.
WHAT IS THE MINIMAL KIT I NEED TO CARRY?
We recommend you bring layers. The weather can be chilly, but the riding gets you running hot. Bring layers you can add and remove to keep yourself dry and warm.
WHAT TYPE OF BIKE CAN I ENTER WITH?
Any bike you’re prepared to use on a gravel hill climb. Most cyclists bring a gravel bike, but more casual riders bring whatever they have. In 2025 we had riders hunting gains on road bikes, a couple doubling up their power on a tandem, and a pack of Salsa fat bikes from Doug’s Bikes crushing the loose stuff.
WILL I GET A RECORD OF MY TIME?
You record your own ride to Strava and RideWithGPS. The segments are saved to both apps so that after the event, we can access the top times to seed into the knockout challenge.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
$40. That gets you race entry, a beer token for the top of the hill, a Slake Snake sticker pack, the event insurance — and we’re lining up one more thing for the bag that we’ll announce closer to the day. Riding the Open Field without a ticket is free, you just won’t be eligible for prizes or the swag. If you’d like a non-beer drink at the top, we’ll hook you up. Spectators are free.
ARE THERE PRIZES?
There will be prizes for:
- Fastest Time of the Day
- Most Attempts
- All Knockout Challenge Participants
- Knockout Challenge Winners (KOM/QOM)
… and more!
Slake Snake Hill Climb Ticket
$40 — race entry, a Slake beer token, a Slake Snake sticker pack, and a little bonus in the bag
Fine Print:
Participants should be aware that the route is comprised of loose gravel and a consistent grade. Be prepared for any weather and surface conditions, including the potential for mud if the week has been rainy! Helmets must be worn by all riders. Registration fee covers insurance and a drink for the rider. We are not able to provide cancellations or refunds for no-shows. If you would like a non-beer beverage at the top, we'll hook you up :)
More questions? Email Laura
