Pinnacle Mountain Bike Race Series returns this week

Four events to round out this year’s local race series

The Pinnacle Mountain Bike Race Series has become a staple of Crested Butte’s mountain biking schedule over the last 13 years. Showcasing the Evolution Bike Park’s extensive trail system, the series is a favorite for locals and guests alike. This year, Crested Butte Mountain Resort will host four events, and beginning Friday, July 1, racers can test their skills in cross-country, short track, enduro, and hill climb racing.
The Pinnacle Series offers racers a fun and friendly venue to compete against other riders in the same ability class. Ability categories are the same as they have been in the past, giving racers options ranging from beginner to expert; the categories include expert, sport, beginner and single speed options for men, women and juniors. The series features a variety of course lengths and levels of difficulty to challenge riders of all abilities.
To accommodate the youngest riders, the Pinnacle Bike Series hosts youth racing for children under the age of 12. The Youth Series introduces young biking enthusiasts to the sport of mountain biking, encouraging them to get involved by watching adults race and enjoying friendly competition among their peers.
The first race begins Friday, July 1, with additional series races taking place every other Friday evening through August 12. Each race is $15 per rider, which includes complimentary food and beverages during the award ceremonies and raffle tickets to win prizes from local businesses throughout Gunnison and Crested Butte and other corporate sponsors. Registration is free for children racing in the Youth Series. Registration takes place on the deck of 9380 Restaurant, located directly in front of the base area lifts, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on race day.
The schedule of the events is as follows (subject to change, as weather permits):
July 1: Hill Climb, 4:30-5:30 p.m. registration, 5:45 p.m. start
July 15: Enduro, 4:30-5:30 p.m. registration, 5:45 p.m. start
July 29: Cross Country, 4:30-5:30 p.m. registration, 5:45 p.m. start
August 12: Short Track, 4:30-5:30 p.m. registration, 5:45 p.m. start
Also new this year, the resort is hosting a Ladies Night for lift-accessed mountain biking. Every Friday night through August 31, ladies can ride the lifts for free.
This is in conjunction with Twilight rides, when the Red Lady Express chairlift remains open until 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday nights throughout the summer.