The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Got Strava?
The Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro, presented by Shimano, has announced courses for the Crested Butte Ultra Enduro, September 3-7. The five-day inaugural event will blend high-altitude backcountry adventures with most of the biggest descents in the area.
Riders will be challenged with five days of racing, four of those days deep in the backcountry, with big climbing transitions that will take them to the top of the world overlooking majestic peaks. The fifth and final day of racing will be held at Evolution Bike Park, with awards and festivities. This will be a stand-alone event and not a part of the Big Mountain Enduro Series overall rankings.
Most backcountry stages will start around 9,000 feet in elevation, some days climbing and topping out above 12,500 feet, so, riders, get your lungs (and cameras) ready. Plan for full days on the bike and big mileage, where you’ll need to be relatively self-supported and capable of navigating maps in remote areas. This event will encompass a heavy pro field and the largest cash payout of any 2014 Big Mountain Enduro event.
The racing began on Wednesday, September 3 with the first stages held on Star Pass, Trail 400 and Teocalli Ridge Trail. The races continue Thursday, September 4 through Sunday, September 7. Local riders stepping into the fray include Ali Fuchs, Matt Steinwand and Colin Pickett.
Thursday, September 4: Riders will head up Deadman’s, head to the Cement Mountain Trail and take Roaring Judy down before heading over to Doctor’s Park.
Friday, September 5: Riders will start at Deadman’s parking lot again, head to the Cement Creek Trail to Block & Tackle before heading up to Double Top. From there they will hit 405.2a, Point Lookout, 409 and eventually down 409 to the Caves and Cement Creek Road.
Saturday, September 6: The riders will then spend the fourth day heading up Kebler Pass to the Carbon Trail, taking that to the top of the ridge and then descending the Green Lake Trail, finishing at Journey’s End Road.
Sunday, September 7: The final day of the event will all take place in the Evolution Bike Park at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The first stage will include Luge, Lower Awakening and Down Time. The second stage will involve Avery and Time Table and the day will conclude with a final stage down Captain Jack.
This is the first mountain bike event of its kind in North America. For a complete description of courses and the event, check out www.bigmountainenduro.com.
