The Pinnacle Race Series is back in full force at Crested Butte Mountain Resort this summer. Dates and events are as follows:
July 1 Hill Climb: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. race registration; 5:45 p.m. race start
July 15
Enduro/Super D: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. race registration; 4:30 – 6:15 p.m. practice; 6:30 race start
July 29
Short Track/Circuit: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. race registration; 5:45 p.m. race start
August 12
Cross-Country: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. race registration; 5:45 p.m. race start
Get full information here.
These races are an awesome time, inexpensive, and the raffle at the end is UNREAL. Plus, there's food and beer to be had afterward, as well as an excellent time listening to DaveO read results and talk about whatever DaveO talks about when handed a microphone.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Trails Update - June 30
Well, it's nearly July. Let's see how trails are doing.
Reno/Flag/Bear - I have a report that it's good to go.
401 - Reports say that the snow is still sign deep at the top of the pass but it sounds like the intrepid souls made it through the snow and were able to ride the trail, for the most part.
Waterfall Cut-off - Dry with lots of downed trees and some pretty precarious stream crossings.
Cement Creek Trail - WET
Lower loop - Mostly dry, not muddy. Finally.
The ridges up high are starting to look bare. I'm hoping to try to get up to the Double Top area this weekend to see what there is to see. Pictures to come.
Reno/Flag/Bear - I have a report that it's good to go.
401 - Reports say that the snow is still sign deep at the top of the pass but it sounds like the intrepid souls made it through the snow and were able to ride the trail, for the most part.
Waterfall Cut-off - Dry with lots of downed trees and some pretty precarious stream crossings.
Cement Creek Trail - WET
Lower loop - Mostly dry, not muddy. Finally.
The ridges up high are starting to look bare. I'm hoping to try to get up to the Double Top area this weekend to see what there is to see. Pictures to come.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Road Biking the Gunnison Valley
I'll admit it. I don't like road biking. I'm a mountain biker. I like dirt, rocks, single-track. That is until a rock upended me, landing me in the ER. Just a sprained wrist, but no mountain biking for a while... A couple of days on the trainer convinced me that road biking would be FANTASTIC. So, with loaner aero bars I hit the road.
Gunnison to Crested Butte and back. Actually quite a nice ride. 135 has a wide shoulder, and someone wrote nice notes on the street encouraging, "this ain't no stinkin' wind". I sensed some sarcasm....
Gunnison to Pitkin and back. At Parlin you turn on to County road 76 which meanders up a beautiful valley along Quartz Creek. Have you seen the Indian face? Or been to the nice little country store at the far end of Pitkin with ice cream and cell phone reception? Or the restaurant in Ohio City that sells patch kits (Lifesavers!)?
And then I was hooked. I was actually having fun exploring the Gunnison valley by road. And there was a challenge to be had. The "Out & Back Road Bike Series" put on by Gunnison Nordic. Apparently, I had already completed 2 of the 7 "gold" rides. Game on.
Gunnison to Taylor park and back. A steady climb past towering rock spires in Taylor canyon, past the Taylor river lined with fisherman. The air gets cooler and as you pass the dam you are suddenly in the high country. I never really imagined riding there from Gunnison. Freedom!
Gunnison to Crested Butte and back. Actually quite a nice ride. 135 has a wide shoulder, and someone wrote nice notes on the street encouraging, "this ain't no stinkin' wind". I sensed some sarcasm....
Gunnison to Pitkin and back. At Parlin you turn on to County road 76 which meanders up a beautiful valley along Quartz Creek. Have you seen the Indian face? Or been to the nice little country store at the far end of Pitkin with ice cream and cell phone reception? Or the restaurant in Ohio City that sells patch kits (Lifesavers!)?
And then I was hooked. I was actually having fun exploring the Gunnison valley by road. And there was a challenge to be had. The "Out & Back Road Bike Series" put on by Gunnison Nordic. Apparently, I had already completed 2 of the 7 "gold" rides. Game on.
Gunnison to Taylor park and back. A steady climb past towering rock spires in Taylor canyon, past the Taylor river lined with fisherman. The air gets cooler and as you pass the dam you are suddenly in the high country. I never really imagined riding there from Gunnison. Freedom!
3 down 4 to go. But they get bigger. Monarch, Lake City, North Pass, Crawford?!?! These road bikers are crazy. Rock N' Roll has the details and passports if you are up to the challenge. There are bronze, silver, gold, and platinum categories. Have you done these rides? I'd like to know what you think!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Monday Trails update - Deadmans/Reno
I set out to do a bit of snow scouting this weekend. From afar, some of the mid-elevation trails are starting to look dry, so I did a bit of exploration up Cement Creek.
First stop was to check out Reno Ridge Road. Cement Creek road is clear (with some water crossings) all the way to Reno. I stopped there, but judging from snowline, it's clear a good ways farther up. Trail 400 probably needs a good bit of time still, but we'll just have to keep an eye on it.
I started up Reno road, dodging some snow but making decent progress until 10,200 feet, or 3-4 minutes of pedaling up the steep part after the first switchback. Then I found this.
Parts are good. Other parts...are wet.
I would classify the south face of Deadmans as 'Not ready yet'. It may take a bit of time to dry out and repair the trail.
Farther up valley, Snodgrass is still closed as of Saturday and Lower Loop is still muddy but other trails are riding well.
The CBMR bike park is also open and lifts are running.
First stop was to check out Reno Ridge Road. Cement Creek road is clear (with some water crossings) all the way to Reno. I stopped there, but judging from snowline, it's clear a good ways farther up. Trail 400 probably needs a good bit of time still, but we'll just have to keep an eye on it.
I'm guessing it may be passable farther up, but I didn't particularly feel like going for a postholing adventure.
Next up was Deadmans. As expected, the switchbacks are clear until about 10,200 feet. The saddle is at 10,700 ft and with a bit of post holing and patience, it's climbable. The backside needs some love and time though.
Farther up valley, Snodgrass is still closed as of Saturday and Lower Loop is still muddy but other trails are riding well.
The CBMR bike park is also open and lifts are running.
The Valley of Extremes
I've become a little bit of a Blue Dot Stalker these past two weeks, watching the Tour Divide participants snake their way across the country, through the snows of Montana and Wyoming, through Idaho and finally into Colorado. As I type, they are approaching Salida and will be headed over Marshall Pass into Gunnison County this afternoon. Two of the top three guys make Gunnison County their home, Jefe in Gunnison and Ethan in Crested Butte. This begs the question, how does the Valley produce athletes who seem to excel at races that mere mortals think are absolutely INSANE?
Is there something in the water? Is there something in the air? Is there something in the lack of air? Is it something about the Valley itself that draws a certain type of person?
Why would mountain bikers flock to an area where some trails open up for 3 weeks a year and 'summer' seems to be three months long and the running joke is that we hope that summer comes on a weekend this year. I think that it's because when it's good here, it's really good. Extremely good.
The same can be said for the skiing. Some years are mediocre snow years. Some worse than that. But, when it's good, like it was this year, it's good. Extremely good.
And the thing is, people around here realize that when things are good, it's time to get after it and when things are sub-good, it's time to hunker down and tough it out. When trails are in, there's no reason to go for a four hour ride when you have time for an eight hour one and when it's -40 F in the winter, no amount of complaining is going to make it get warmer.
Maybe it's that combination that breeds the Jefes and Ethans of this world. Just the right combination of 'Go get it while it's hot' and mental fortitude to deal with weather and life conditions that send many scurrying for warmer climate.
Is there something in the water? Is there something in the air? Is there something in the lack of air? Is it something about the Valley itself that draws a certain type of person?
Why would mountain bikers flock to an area where some trails open up for 3 weeks a year and 'summer' seems to be three months long and the running joke is that we hope that summer comes on a weekend this year. I think that it's because when it's good here, it's really good. Extremely good.
The same can be said for the skiing. Some years are mediocre snow years. Some worse than that. But, when it's good, like it was this year, it's good. Extremely good.
And the thing is, people around here realize that when things are good, it's time to get after it and when things are sub-good, it's time to hunker down and tough it out. When trails are in, there's no reason to go for a four hour ride when you have time for an eight hour one and when it's -40 F in the winter, no amount of complaining is going to make it get warmer.
Maybe it's that combination that breeds the Jefes and Ethans of this world. Just the right combination of 'Go get it while it's hot' and mental fortitude to deal with weather and life conditions that send many scurrying for warmer climate.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Crested Butte Bike Week June 23-25
It's that time of year again, Fat Tire Bike Week, except that this year it's called the Crested Butte Bike Week. Nonetheless, it's going to be a week filled with bike related festivities. The fun starts on Friday, June 23.
Events of note are the Mountain States Cup Wild Flower 40 mountain bike race, quite possibly the best MSC race out there. If you want to race, be sure to register before it fills up. No USA Cycling license? Race in the WildCat category.
If serious racing isn't your style, the Chainless Costume Party, I mean, the Chainless Bicycle Race will be contested on Friday. Here's the lowdown:
What goes better together than irie reggae music and shredding the Chainless gnar? Nothing, mon! Registration for the 2011 Chainless World Championships begins June 23rd. Here's the deal - purchase your Toots & the Maytals ticket at either the Chamber, The Eldo, or at crestedbuttebikeweek.com. Then, bring your Toots ticket to Chainless registration at the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame on June 23rd at 6PM or at the all day bike week expo at 1st and Elk on June 24th and get your Chainless entry and 3 beer tickets for the after party for only $4! Add it up - $26 for Toots and $4 for the Chainless and 3 beers equals 30 somolians for an epic weekend of fun. Ballin! Be sure to hit the Chainless party before and after the race. Paa Kow's By All Means Band will be laying down some funky Afro-beats and there will be a variety of tasty beers. One half of all beverage proceeds will benefit the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association. Who will be crowned the 2011 Chainless World Champion? Be there to find out! Volunteers are also needed for the Chainless. Please call the Chamber at 349-6438 to lend a hand or for more info.
Events of note are the Mountain States Cup Wild Flower 40 mountain bike race, quite possibly the best MSC race out there. If you want to race, be sure to register before it fills up. No USA Cycling license? Race in the WildCat category.
If serious racing isn't your style, the Chainless Costume Party, I mean, the Chainless Bicycle Race will be contested on Friday. Here's the lowdown:
What goes better together than irie reggae music and shredding the Chainless gnar? Nothing, mon! Registration for the 2011 Chainless World Championships begins June 23rd. Here's the deal - purchase your Toots & the Maytals ticket at either the Chamber, The Eldo, or at crestedbuttebikeweek.com. Then, bring your Toots ticket to Chainless registration at the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame on June 23rd at 6PM or at the all day bike week expo at 1st and Elk on June 24th and get your Chainless entry and 3 beer tickets for the after party for only $4! Add it up - $26 for Toots and $4 for the Chainless and 3 beers equals 30 somolians for an epic weekend of fun. Ballin! Be sure to hit the Chainless party before and after the race. Paa Kow's By All Means Band will be laying down some funky Afro-beats and there will be a variety of tasty beers. One half of all beverage proceeds will benefit the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association. Who will be crowned the 2011 Chainless World Champion? Be there to find out! Volunteers are also needed for the Chainless. Please call the Chamber at 349-6438 to lend a hand or for more info.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Monday, June 13 Trails Update
I remember driving down to Gunnison from our little abode up here in CeeBee South, thinking that trails up here are never, ever going to melt out. I love Hartmans, I really do, but I spend my time dreaming of big loops up in the alpine, CeeBee-style. It's been a slow process, but we can see the snowline receding on Whetstone, roads are getting plowed, and I'd like to think that sooner rather than later, we'll just be laughing about the winter of 2011 that just wouldn't let go. So, without further ado, the trail conditions as I know them (check out the side tabs for past trail and road conditions):
New Road Openings:
Kebler Pass is OPEN. This means one thing - CSA trucks bringing fresh veggies from Hotchkiss and Paonia will be in town soon.
Cement Creek is dry for a few miles past the Deadmans Parking lot. Then there are some snowplugs and flooding. Probably a good idea to stay away until the flood danger goes down.
New Trails:
Lupine Trail - Rumor has it that this trail is RAD. And dry.
Snodgrass - Looks dry from a distance. Possibly good to go.
409 - Free of snow but has a lot of downed trees from a not-so-gentle winter.
Strand - Dry and good to go. A few mud puddles are still lurking, so please ride through them, not around them. Keep our single track single.
Deadmans - Bottom looks dry. I'd guess it would go for a bit as an out-and-back.
Double-Top - Looks completely snow covered.
If you know otherwise on any of these trails, or know of something else is dry, please leave a comment! Any beta is always appreciated.
New Road Openings:
Kebler Pass is OPEN. This means one thing - CSA trucks bringing fresh veggies from Hotchkiss and Paonia will be in town soon.
Cement Creek is dry for a few miles past the Deadmans Parking lot. Then there are some snowplugs and flooding. Probably a good idea to stay away until the flood danger goes down.
New Trails:
Lupine Trail - Rumor has it that this trail is RAD. And dry.
Snodgrass - Looks dry from a distance. Possibly good to go.
409 - Free of snow but has a lot of downed trees from a not-so-gentle winter.
Strand - Dry and good to go. A few mud puddles are still lurking, so please ride through them, not around them. Keep our single track single.
Deadmans - Bottom looks dry. I'd guess it would go for a bit as an out-and-back.
Double-Top - Looks completely snow covered.
If you know otherwise on any of these trails, or know of something else is dry, please leave a comment! Any beta is always appreciated.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Tour Divide Kick-Off
They say that the Tour de France is the hardest bike race out there. The proverbial 'they' have obviously never heard of the Tour Divide. 2,745 miles of self-supported miles from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, NM. 72 people are signed up to race the route from north to south, and 15 are signed up to race south to north with an additional crew choosing to take the route on as an ITT later in the summer.
Why later in the summer? Snow.
As we know here in the valley, it's been a record snowpack year and up until recently, the snow wasn't making haste to melt. Large sections of snow along the route have forced massive detours from the normal route through areas of Montana and Wyoming. Even with the detours, riders are talking about packing snowshoes as part of their bike packing kits.
Among those starting in Banff on June 10th are the Valley's own Ethan Passant, Josh Shifferly, and Jefe Branham. Ethan, two-time winner of the Colorado Trail Race always has to be regarded a favorite in a race of this format. Jefe, also with a Colorado Trail Race title to his name will be contesting the route on his single speed. Yes, this valley is home to some crazy people.
The route generally takes between 16 and 25 days to complete and all riders will be carrying SPOT trackers so we can follow along from the comfort of our homes. Keep an eye our for our locals at the Tour Divide homepage.
Why later in the summer? Snow.
As we know here in the valley, it's been a record snowpack year and up until recently, the snow wasn't making haste to melt. Large sections of snow along the route have forced massive detours from the normal route through areas of Montana and Wyoming. Even with the detours, riders are talking about packing snowshoes as part of their bike packing kits.
(The view from Banff where riders are assembling for the journey of a lifetime)
Among those starting in Banff on June 10th are the Valley's own Ethan Passant, Josh Shifferly, and Jefe Branham. Ethan, two-time winner of the Colorado Trail Race always has to be regarded a favorite in a race of this format. Jefe, also with a Colorado Trail Race title to his name will be contesting the route on his single speed. Yes, this valley is home to some crazy people.
The route generally takes between 16 and 25 days to complete and all riders will be carrying SPOT trackers so we can follow along from the comfort of our homes. Keep an eye our for our locals at the Tour Divide homepage.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Trails Update - June 8th
After a weekend of stellar weather, trails are starting to melt. Keep in mind, these are purely my own observations and what I gather from talking to people, so I'm sure that other stuff is dry, I just don't know about it.
Roads
Slate - Dry to within a mile of Pittsburg
Gothic - Plowed to Judd Falls/Copper Creek parking lot
Cement Creek - Dry until at least the Deadmans trailhead and most likely farther. I just ran out of time.
Kebler - I have no clue
Trails
Caves - Dry and beautiful
Warm Springs - Dry and beautiful
Tonys/Upper/Upper upper/Whetstone - Good to go
403/401 - Covered in snow
Strand - About to go check it out, I'll update when I get back.
Snow
Prior to this weekend, it was prime corn harvesting season and with the roads drying out, car access to many of the bigger peaks is opening up for the sled-less.
Roads
Slate - Dry to within a mile of Pittsburg
Gothic - Plowed to Judd Falls/Copper Creek parking lot
Cement Creek - Dry until at least the Deadmans trailhead and most likely farther. I just ran out of time.
Kebler - I have no clue
Trails
Caves - Dry and beautiful
Warm Springs - Dry and beautiful
Tonys/Upper/Upper upper/Whetstone - Good to go
403/401 - Covered in snow
Strand - About to go check it out, I'll update when I get back.
Snow
Prior to this weekend, it was prime corn harvesting season and with the roads drying out, car access to many of the bigger peaks is opening up for the sled-less.
Mineral Point and Augusta - taken very late May
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Growler Bits 'n Pieces
As the sore muscles start to heal, it's time to start looking back at the fun and games that was the Growler. Somehow the pain and suffering doesn't seem as bad when looked at through a camera lens...
Full results from the Growler are posted here.
Photos from Mountain Moon Photography here.
Photos from Braden Gunem here, including this one of the stalwart cheering crew of Rock 'N Roll shop masters Brian and Sam at the bottom of Skull Pass.
Full results from the Growler are posted here.
Photos from Mountain Moon Photography here.
Photos from Braden Gunem here, including this one of the stalwart cheering crew of Rock 'N Roll shop masters Brian and Sam at the bottom of Skull Pass.
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