Photo from Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Blog.
Most of us have heard of the Leadville 100 mountain bike race – the grueling 100-mile race course that takes place above 10,000 feet each summer – but there’s actually a newer race series happening in the Leadville, CO area this time of year: The Leadville Winter Mountain Biking Series. Melanie Wong writes about her experience riding in a recent series race in the Vail Daily and it’s a great read if you have the time.
Last weekend’s race took place at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center near Ski Cooper and the course consisted of cross country skiing trails ridden in the dark. Apparently 65 riders showed up for the race (a record for the series) and there were riders of all types and ages (including at least one single-speeder). The next Leadville Winter Mountain Biking Series race will be held at the Mount Massive Golf Course and will follow a unique 2-person relay format around a fast 6-mile circuit.
It’s great to see groups organizing races and group rides during the cold winter months since most of us just make excuses that keep us from going out alone. Just goes to show you it’s always possible to get out and ride, no matter where you live or what the weather conditions may be!
