What’s the Grand Traverse Mountain Bike Race?
Held around September every year, this is a mountain bike race that takes place between Aspen and Crested Butte in Colorado. The course covers 40 miles, but these will be 40 miles, unlike any other. For one thing, the race travels the Elk Mountains and has an elevation gain of around 7,800 feet.
While some challenges are slow burners, this one is difficult from the very start because you’ll immediately climb 3,000 feet up Aspen Mountain. As the race continues, you’ll traverse the Elk Mountains (hence the name!). Due to the tricky nature of this challenge, you’ll need intense training, and you’ll need to be in good condition if you want to take on the Grand Traverse Mountain Bike Race.
Entry Requirements
According to the Grand Traverse handbook, registration is open to anybody. The earlier you book, the lower the price. For example, in 2019, the price was $105 per person between December and May. Those who didn’t book ahead had to pay $150 on the day. Therefore, it’s well worth booking early and securing your place.
In terms of entry requirements, organisers recommend a ‘high level of physical fitness as well as being competent in backcountry riding and owning high-quality gear. Don’t forget sunglasses with quality UV protection and some stylish mountain bike clothing from Sendy Gear. What’s more, racers need to arrive at each checkpoint before a specific time while also listening to race officials (even if this means being pulled from the race).
Prize and Results
If you happen to finish in the top three of your gender, you’ll receive a cash prize. Back in 2019, the prizes were as follows:
- $400 for first place
- $300 for second place
- $100 for third place
In 2020, the winner was from Colorado Springs and finished the course in 4:10:54. If you aren’t ready for four hours of intense mountain bike riding, then perhaps this course isn’t for you. If you’re prepared for the challenge, why not sign up for the 2021 event now?
The winner last year was 28 years of age and managed to finish ten minutes ahead of the runner-up. Please bear in mind that the finishing times spread between four hours and nine hours – additionally, a group of people didn’t finish whether a result of their own withdrawal or a decision by the race officials. The Grand Traverse website says that the mountain bike race isn’t for the faint-hearted, and you’re starting to see why now.
The Course
After the race starts at 7 am, you have two hours to do five miles and reach the summit of Aspen Mountain. While this might sound easy, this includes over 3,000 feet of climbing. Punishing on the legs, hard work for the lungs, and only the best will make it. If you don’t make the 9 am cut-off, the race officials may ask you to stop.
After this, the second cut-off is at 11:30 am and occurs at Taylor Pass. By this point, you will have ridden a further 12 miles with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. Finally, the third cut-off appears at the 35-mile mark, and you’ll need to reach this point at Bush Creek Road before 2:30 pm. From here, it’s around six miles to the end.
Are you up to the challenge?
