Pole, pedal, paddle from winter to summer

CB3P brings it all together in one surreal day

With the snowpack still intact, the roads clear, the rivers rising and off-season upon us, it’s time to bridge the gap between winter and summer in one day at the second annual CB3P (Crested Butte Pole, Pedal, Paddle) on Sunday, April 27. 

The CB3P was born two years ago. The idea was to connect both ends of the valley using three modes of human transportation, skiing, biking and paddling, in one day during a time when not much else is going on. Similar events have been pulled off with success in other mountain towns, most notably Salida, Durango and Jackson Hole and even up Taylor Canyon.
But this particular event is notable for two reasons. First, the course starts at one end of the valley and ends at the other and, second, it follows the natural flow of water during the spring runoff.
Two years ago during a classic Crested Butte off-season (when most great ideas are hatched) Tiff Simpson realized the Gunnison Valley has what it takes to pull off a pole, pedal, paddle and the CB3P was born. Simpson participated in several similar events throughout the west and thought it was time to bring that energy here to the Gunnison Valley.
Initially, Simpson’s idea included a climb up Mt. Emmons and ski down Red Lady Bowl as the ski portion before hopping on the bike to ride down to Gunnison and paddle through the Whitewater Park. But permitting, safety and a variety of other issues emerged during the initial thought process and Simpson and local events production organization Elk Mountain Events, came up with a better course that would fit the needs of both hardcore athletes and the athletically curious.
Start with a skin up and ski down on Crested Butte Mountain, ride Highway 135 for 27 miles from Mt. Crested Butte to the put-in by Garlic Mike’s (North Bridge put-in) and then paddle a section of the Gunnison River, predominately Class I with one Class II drop, to the finish line at the start of the Whitewater Park.
The success of the inaugural CB3P hung in the balance as a low snow year and limited interest leading up to the race had Simpson admittedly stressed. In the end, the event turned out better than expected as 51 competitors of all shapes, sizes and abilities lined up either solo or as part of a team to partake in the CB3P.
“It totally blew my expectations given that four days before the event I only had seven people registered,” says Simpson.
The range of talent spanned all walks of life. On one end you had people who had never climbed uphill on skis or even paddled a kayak in a river.
On the other end there were seasoned veterans of pole, pedal, paddle races and professional triathletes.
The range of gear followed suit. Some racers were on the latest skimo gear, riding time trials bikes and paddling sleek fiberglass boats designed specifically for downriver racing. Other participants opted for splitboards, townies and jumping into a raft with five of their buddies and a cooler of beer. In the end, as race organizers, racers and fans gathered on a sunny beach along the Gunnison River for the awards ceremony following the race, it was obvious that the CB3P was here to stay.
“The feedback we received from the communities, competitors and spectators was overwhelmingly positive,” says Simpson.
This year, Simpson and Elk Mountain Events have added to the course to give it a little more kick, given what they heard from racers last year.
“We got some feedback that racers thought the ski course should be a little harder,” says Simpson.
Furthermore, Crested Butte Mountain Resort has agreed to hold off on post-season snowcat work in areas of the mountain where the ski course is planned.
The race kicks off at 10 a.m. with a Le Mans running start from the fire pit in Mountaineer Square to the slopes of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Racers step into their skis, or snowboards, and then start climbing. The new ski course will take them to the top of Paradise Lift before wrapping around on Silver Queen Road to Windy Gap. From there racers will “tear the hides” and ski back down to the base area, step out of their skis and run to the transition area by the fire pit and hop on their bikes.
The bike and paddle sections will be the same, with 27 miles of road riding to the put-in at North Bridge and then 4.5 miles of paddling to the finish line. This year, thanks to our stout winter and warming temps, the paddle section should be significantly faster.
“Last year on race day the Gunnison was flowing at 300 cfs [cubic feet per second],” explains Simpson. “Right now it’s running at 600 so I have a feeling the paddle will be way faster.”
The race is open to solo racers and teams of three, with race and rec divisions for the solo racers. Organizers will step in to prevent sandbagging.
“If someone shows up in lycra with a rando set-up, a time trials bike and a fiberglass boat, they’re going to be in the race category,” says Simpson.
While last year timing was handled by a slew of volunteers, this year ankle chips will be provided to participants to get more accurate splits both on course and in transitions.
Registration is $50 for solo racers and $90 for teams and is available only online and can be found at the event website, www.crestedbutte3p.com until April 21. The cost after April 21 goes up $15 for both solo and teams. Registration closes on Friday, April 25. As of press time registration is on pace to beat last year’s numbers, including several first-timers joining in the mix. In addition, last year drew racers from throughout Colorado, and Simpson expects even more out-of-town talent this year as word spread of the successful first year.
“I’m already seeing some new names and we expect to have at least 75 sign up this year,” says Simpson.
Prizes are plentiful and each registered racer will be entered into a general raffle as well.
“Last year every person walked away with a raffle prize,” says Simpson.
Top three in race and rec solo classes will take home a custom ceramic tumbler by local artist Laura Cooper Elm.
The key to team success, according to Milo Wynne who was part of the winning Team Green, lies in the first two sections.
“Get a strong skier, a strong biker and then the kayaker just coasts right in,” says Wynne.
Still, to ensure victory, Wynne has secured a more modern era boat for this year’s event.
“I just went and picked up the longest boat in America,” says Wynne.
What else are you going to do in the off-season, anyway?
“This is a way for people to be stoked that they’re here for the off season,” says Simpson.
Wynne has a slightly different reason.
 “I just do it for the chicks, no other reason,” says Wynne.