Pinnacle Race Series returns with more gravity, uphill grunt

Hill climbs, cross-country, downhill races and kids events

Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s (CBMR) Pinnacle Race Series returns this summer with eight mountain bike races spread over five weeks, showcasing the resort’s Evolution Bike Park.
The Pinnacle Series is a regional racing series created by CBMR in 1998. Races are geared toward fun and friendly competition and provide an ideal introduction to recreational racing thanks to multiple race categories, including Expert, Sport, Beginner and Single Speed options for men, women and juniors. The series also features a variety of course lengths and levels of difficulty to challenge riders of all abilities.
Last year, the Pinnacle Race Series added a gravity element to the series. This summer they’re upping the ante.
“We’re going to do three gravity events,” says Crested Butte Mountain Sports director Drew Cesati. “We’re going to step that up again.”
With the addition of the Mineral Point downhill track to the trail system, the resort will offer two downhills—one on Avery and one on Mineral Point—a Super D and a Mountain Cross to feed the needs of the gravity junkies.
The series kicks off with the classic hill climb on Thursday, July 15 and concludes with the Dirty Al, the summer version of the Al Johnson on Thursday, August 12.
“The Dirty Al is back,” says Cesati. “Last year it was well received so we’re doing it again.”
Races take place on Mt. Crested Butte’s extensive network of trails and winding single-track and each race begins and ends at the base of Mt. Crested Butte. Course information will be posted at www.crankcollective.com prior to each race.
Back and better than ever, the Pinnacle Series includes the Youth Series for children 12 and under. The kids races run simultaneous to the adult races and are designed to give kids the opportunity to compete in a positive, encouraging environment, just like mom and dad.
Prizes will be awarded to top riders in each category at the after-party following each race. In addition, complimentary pizza, pasta and beer will be provided.
Race registration will be from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the 9380 deck before each race. Check the schedule for race start times depending upon discipline. The cost is $15 per race, per rider. For more information call (970) 349-2217 or visit www.ridecb.com/pinnacle.

2010 Pinnacle Series Schedule
July 15
Hill Climb: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. race registration; 5:45 p.m. race start
July 22
Cross-Country: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. race registration; 5:45 p.m. race start
Downhill: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. race registration; 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. practice; 6:30 p.m. race start
July 29
Super-D: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. race registration; 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. practice; 6:30 p.m. race start
Mountain Cross (4X): 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. race registration; 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. practice; 6:30 p.m. seeding; 7 p.m. race start
August 5
Cross-Country: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. race registration; 5:45 p.m. race start
Downhill: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. race registration; 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. practice; 6:30 p.m. race start
August 12
The Dirty Al uphill/downhill race (team and individual categories): 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. race registration; 5:45 p.m. race start