The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Three loops, 100 miles, all fun
What better way to wind down the summer season of riding than linking 100 miles of local trails together with your friends?
That’s right, it’s time for the fifth annual CB Classic.
This year’s ride has a couple changes, so pay attention.
First there’s a new date.
In years past the ride was scheduled in July but the new date is set for Saturday, September 27 allowing participants to soak up the golden splendor of the fall colors.
Second, there’s a new start time.
Instead of the usual 7 a.m. start, this year’s ride will begin at 8 a.m. With temperatures dipping below freezing as of late, ride organizer Dave Ochs thought it might be a good idea to push the start time back.
Ochs asks that all riders who plan on participating meet at the Four-way Stop in Crested Butte at 7:30 a.m. for the pre-ride meeting.
He warns that the later time may tighten up things on the tail end of the ride as sunset is now hitting the valley much earlier. Ochs points out that some riders who intend on riding the entire course may want to make lighting arrangements.
“We’re suggesting that if you go out after 4 p.m. to start the Dyke, have lights,” says Ochs.
Third, there’s a new line-up to the loops.
This year the CB Classic will start at the Four-way Stop and head out to Strand Hill in a neutral start fashion. Once the course hits dirt road, it’s game on if you want it.
After Strand, continue out Brush Creek Road to ride Deer Creek before returning to the Brick Oven deck to check in.
After that, riders will head out the Slate River drainage to climb the famed Slate D’huez, head down Washington Gulch and then turn up the 403 Trail to Gothic Road drainage.
Once there, turn left to the top of Schofield Pass and onto 401 for a tremendous ride down the valley and back to town to check in once more at the Brick Oven deck.
At that point, riders will head out for the third and final loop, the Dyke Trail.
Don’t miss the final stretch of single track when you head back to town as riders are “asked” to turn onto the lower portion of the Wagon Trail parallel to Kebler Pass Road.
“It’s single track people, get off the road,” points out Ochs.
The folks from Avery Brewing Company will have riders and refreshments for participants and Doug Bradbury of local and international mountain biking fame has offered up some fun prizes for a variety of accomplishments by participants.
It’s sort like the “guess your weight” booth at the carnival, only different.
Not to mention, your name will be put on the trophy created by Kate Seeley and Andy Bamberg if you happen to be the first person to finish the ride.
All the while, riders, fans and support crews are welcome to enjoy the deck at the Brick Oven, eat food, and don’t forget to tip your servers.
Last year, Ethan Passant was the first to finish the ride among the men with a time of eight hours, one minute and 12 seconds. Laura Anderson was the first woman to finish the ride, coming into the Brick Oven deck in nine hours, 42 minutes and 55 seconds.
If 100 miles is too long, get a team of three together and have each one ride a loop.
Or, take part in the mini CB Classic with the first segment on Strand, the second segment on the Upper Upper Loop/Whetstone Vista/ Tony’s trail and the third segment on the Lower Loop.
Remember, it’s not about competition, it’s about camaraderie. It just so happens, some people ride faster than others, and that’s okay.
For more information contact Dave Ochs at 349-7324. Giddy-up for the CB Classic.
