As summer continues, the normal patterns of weather continue to unfold. Late summer in the mountains of Colorado often brings rain, dark rolling clouds, and cool, refreshing temperatures. These are the exact conditions that set the stage for the Breck 100, a 100-mile mountain bike race through the peaks around Breckenridge.
With soggy trails ahead of them from rain throughout the night, racers pushed off at 6 am, taking their first pedal strokes toward loop 1. The race is set up three-leaf-clover style with Carter Park in the center. Racers leave for each loop and try to make it back before the next cut off time so they can keep racing. Participants who are riding in shorter mileage races complete one or two of the three leaves.
Around 2 pm, the first of the racers began crossing the finish line, faces speckled with mud from fighting through waterlogged trails. After a few high fives and a wobbly bike dismount, it was time to grab food and relax. The Elevation Outdoors tent had a prime location, right across from the food line. Racers grabbed a taco, and then came on over to grab some magazines and see what our sponsors were all about.
Awards happened throughout the day, with cheerful applause and comradery for winners and participants alike. Racers clipped up to the podium and walked away with sports drinks and pride. The overall winner completed the 100-mile course in just over nine hours! That’s averaging well over 10-miles per hour on aggressive mountain climbs and descents.
Bike riders are a wonderful group of humans. From the coordinators of the festival to the stragglers fighting their way to the finish line, everyone was happy to be there, even with the dreary conditions. Riders went home accomplished, belly’s full, and ready for a good night’s sleep.
Next up we’re heading to the Arise Music Festival! Three days of yoga, smoothies, and good beats. Come by the Elevation Outdoors tent and spread the good vibes. We will have magazines to read in between sets, and a bunch of giveaways each day. Don’t forget your Crazy Creek chairs to enjoy the tunes, LifeStraw water bottles to keep you hydrated, Sea to Summit mats to rest up between days, Lowe Alpine pack to carry your sunglasses and snacks, RovR Products cooler to keep meals fresh and Mountain House freeze-dried meals for when you don’t want to cook at all. Use National Geographic maps to navigate your way to the fest, and finally, suit up in La Sportiva gear to keep your feet happy and your festy clothes dry. See everyone there!
