It's never too soon to mark the calendar for the region's longest mountain bike ride -- 38 miles through the Big Belt Mountains with beer and burgers waiting at the end.

The York 38 Special and Spirit of 76 mountain bike rides, set for Aug. 23, have tempted newcomers and tested old pros over each of the past five years.

This year, while riders will tackle the same tough course, they'll also encounter a few changes along the way.

To enhance the fifth annual ride, the race committee considered the suggestions offered by a few beleaguered riders.

Last year, the miles counted up from one to 38. This year, Sloan said, the miles will count down from 38 to one, showing how far a rider has left instead of how far he or she has come, eliminating the need for mathematical calculations along the way.

"It's sort of a morale booster that way," Sloan said. "People said they got discouraged going up."

Also this year, a professional photographer will wait at the Overlook Aid Station. The second station from the summit, the Overlook stop marks the midpoint of a grueling climb toward the summit, which sits nearly two-thirds up the winding mountain course.

"When people are working hard, he's going to catch them in action," Sloan said of the photographer. "Each rider will get a 5-by-7 color photo."

Sloan has helped organize the ride each of the last several years. The event, she noted, marks one of the busiest days in York. Proceeds go to benefit the York Volunteer Fire Department.

With that in mind, the committee sought to expand the event to a wider group of riders. This year, the race will include the Lucky 13.

The race for children 12 years and under will follow a road course from York to the Vigilante Campground and back. Riders between the ages of 5 and 11 must have an adult chaperone, Sloan said.

"We're also doing the Spirit of 76 again," Sloan said. "It's for those who have enough energy to do the course twice."

Sloan said the idea of a 76-mile ride came from Geoff Proctor, a notable cyclo-cross enthusiast who surprised race officials in 2002 by completing the course so quickly that it stymied officials.

"Last year, his team of four all rode the 76," Sloan said. "This year, I'm hoping to get a few more. I know of one more who finds the 38 too easy and will try the 76 this year."

Participation declined from about 189 riders in 2006 to 141 riders last year. Sloan said some riders were reluctant to enter the event due to the Meriwether fire, which burned around 45,000 acres in the nearby Gates of the Mountains Wilderness.

At one point, officials considered canceling the race over air quality and fire concerns. But the race went on, and slogans like "I survived the mountains of fire" appeared on T-shirts and tote bags.

"We're looking to have a good year this year," said Sloan. "We're just starting to get the word out."

Registration for this year's race has increased from $30 to $40. The price for the Lucky 13 is $15.

"Burgers have gone up, T-shirts have gone up, and now we're doing the photos," Sloan said. "But it's still a good value and we will have all the great goodies and amenities, plus the photo."

To find out more, call 475-3739.

Click here to find out more about the race.

Reporter Martin Kidston: 447-4086 or mkidston@helenair.com