The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Fat Bikes too!
Crested Butte Nordic celebrates another year of Nordic skiing this weekend with the 28th Annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon on Saturday, February 1.
The Alley Loop is the most comprehensive celebration of Nordic skiing here and possibly anywhere else, with something for everyone. It is a staple on the Nordic scene and had close to 550 participants last year.
“It’s an icon,” says Crested Butte Nordic Director of Events Drew Holbrook. “Everyone knows the Alley Loop is the first Friday of February. Everybody comes out for it in some form or another.”
There are kids races and adult races in a variety of distances from 1.5 kilometers all the way up to 42-kilometers. While numerous participants use the day as an excuse to cruise the streets on their Nordic gear, ironically something that is actually illegal, there is definitely a race aspect as well.
For one, the 42-kilometer race is a qualifier for the prestigious American Birkebeiner race in Wisconsin. Furthermore, it’s a chance to match wits with some of the top Nordic skiers, not just from the Gunnison Valley, but also from all over the country.
“Some of the highest caliber Nordic racers come in from around the region,” says Holbrook.
Plus, with snow in the forecast prior to the race, Holbrook believes that the course could be in great shape for race day.
“There‘s a chance there will be a nice top coat on the snow that’s been pushed into the streets,” says Holbrook.
About the only difference this year will be the start/finish line, which will be closer to the intersection of Third Street and Elk Avenue right in front of the Brick Oven.
Online registration is open until Thursday, January 30 at 6 p.m. (Mountain Time). In person registration is only on Friday, January 31 at the CB Visitor’s Center (in the Chamber building at the 4-Way) from 3 to 7 p.m. along with bib-pick up.
Bib pick-up begins on Friday, January 31 at the CB Visitor’s Center from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday morning at the Brick Oven from 8 to 10 a.m. Note: there is no additional chip pick up on Saturday. Chips are affixed to the bibs. There will be NO registration at the Nordic Center. There will be no day-of race event registration either.
More into the consumption aspect of Nordic skiing than the skiing aspect? Well, strap on the Nordic gear Friday evening and take part in the annual Pub Ski from second to third street on Elk Avenue. The event runs from 5-7 p.m.
Did I mention Fat Bikes?
That’s right, this year marks the second annual Fat Bike Alley Loop race as well. While there has been some contention among the Fat Bikers and the Nordic skiers over the topic of Fat Biking on Nordic trails, all contention is tossed to the side for this weekend.
The Fat Bike race actually kicks off the whole weekend Friday, January 31 with registration at the Brick Oven at 2 p.m., solo racing starts at 3 p.m., team racing starts at 3:10 p.m. There will be Fat Bikes available for rental but race organizer Dave Ochs suggests people line one up ahead of time.
“Get to one of the local shops or go online soon and rent one,” says Ochs. “Or come before registration and rent one from some of the companies that are bringing them to town.”
Last year 50 riders made it out for the race and Ochs expects to see double that this year. He also encourages the skeptical to give it a try.
“If you’ve questioned it, get out there,” says Ochs. “It’s infectious.”
Information, times, locations, costs, courses and everything else about the Alley Loop weekend can be found at www.cbnordic.org.
Dei galne har mange morosame stunder som den vettige ikkje har.
