Trail Work Day this Sunday

From Gunnison Trails:

CBMBA's Next Work day is Sunday October 2 on Doctors Park Trail. Meet at the bottom of the trail at the Northbank Campground at 9 am, ready to work with gloves, sturdy shoes, water and a snack. End of summer party for all volunteers at the Brick Oven afterward at 4 p.m. Beverages and pizza provided by the Brick Oven. Raffle, too.

Vapor Trail 125

New course record for Jonathan Davis under a full moon at VT 125 breaking the 14 hour mark. Strong rides by folks in Gunni valley. Aaron Huckstep finished 2nd, Dan Loftus 4th and Jarral Ryter took 8th. Eszter was the first female finisher with a new course record on her SS.

For a full write up go to Mountain Flyer.

Course overview:

The Vapor Trail showcases some of the best singletrack in the Ark Valley, Gunnison Valley, and Monarch Crest. Some notable sections are Colorado Trail to Chalk Cliffs, Canyon Creek, the famed Monarch Crest and the delightful Rainbow Trail.

Personally, it was an incredible ride with a full moon. I topped out Granite Peak well up in the race just shy of 13k. This was spectacular. There was clouds engulfing the summit while illuminated by the full moon. The cloud frosted the tundra grasses with its moisture as I could see lights approaching from below. Canyon Creek was a blast in the dark, though I did crash pretty hard once. These endurance events I have to remind myself to not "shred" for the mind is not in it's clearest state. I met Dave Wiens who was cookin pancakes and sausage at the snow blind campground. After this, I detonated pretty good with half the ride left to do. I ended up finishing with Eszter which helped the spirits to have my companion when I was physically and mentally beat to a pulp. This our third time around the Vapor, and hopefully someday I will be in good enough shape to really enjoy the Crest when I get to it.

Overall it's an incredible ride. Finishing is an accomplishment in itself. It's a really good family there in Absolute Bikes, Salida, they've got it right.

Cheers,

Chris

CTR: Playing Catch Up

Okay, so I've been completely neglecting this blog.  Guilty as charged.  But I have a good reason!  I swear it!  It's called the Colorado Trail race, 470 miles of unsupported racing on the Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango.  Lots of high altitude trail, lots of rocks, lots of suffering - perfect for residents of the Gunnison Valley.  Seven brave souls from the valley undertook the venture - Jarral Ryter, Becky Sears, Ethan Passant, Jefe B., Chris Miller, me (Eszter) and another from CeeBee who's name I'm completely forgetting right now.

It was an epic adventure written up in several places, so instead of re-writing the stories here, I'll direct you to our own words.

Jarral - Finished 4th in 5 days and 5 hours.
Chris - Finished in 5 days 18 hours
Eszter - Finished just behind Jarral in 5 days 5.5 hours

It was an epic adventure for all those who even started.  There really is no race quite like it.