Race Recap: 2018 Silverton Whiteout

On Saturday, February 3, 2018, the 4th annual Silverton Whiteout kicked off along the snow-covered streets of the historic Colorado mountain town. The brainchild of Russell Zimmerman, affectionately referred to as the “Godfather” of the event, the Silverton Whiteout is a more than 10-hour winter fat biking race that runs through the heart of Silverton — filling the town with non-stop fun and high energy during the weekend-long celebration.

While this year’s event once again brought the good times that have come to be expected from the event (like a bacon stand on Shrine Hill and a BB gun target shooting contest at the Outpost), it also featured a few firsts, most notably a new partnership with the town of Silverton, and support from city staff members, the San Juan Development Alliance and the Chamber of Commerce. Race course improvements also included a highly celebrated ice bridge over the Animas River (even in the face of a low snow season) and routing along a section of the Rainbow Trail (a singletrack trail that connects Silverton to Ironton).

Outside of challenging racers for “10 hours of Snow Bike goodness” this family-friendly event featured a kick-sled rodeo, local beer on tap, fresh baked cookies and downtown dance parties — all with the the intent of “trying to keep up with a really fun vibe where everyone’s out letting loose and having a good time,” shared race director, Sarah Tescher. Going forward, Tescher and her team are excited to build on the new partnership with the town of Silverton to create an event where everyone is “working together so everyone has a good time and stays safe.”

Registration for the 2019 Silverton Whiteout opens in late November with a kickoff at Durango Cyclery and runs through the day of the event to ensure that anyone who is inspired to attend can register up until the day of the race.

Final Standings

Family

1st: Mountain Middle School

2nd: Team Shaw

3rd: Ride Up Your Kilt

Team (3-4 person)

1st: Flying Nerd Herd

2nd: Tailwind Tribe

3rd: Myth Cycles

Solo-Male:

1st: Mark Potter

2nd: Father/Son tie – Young Man & Old Man Callahan