BME Crested Butte Ultra Enduro

Crested Butte played host to Big Mountain Enduro's five day backcountry race, aptly named, the Crested Butte Ultra Enduro. This is a departure from the norm for many who are accustomed to racing one or two day events over the course of a weekend. After racing a four day event earlier this year in Chile, I had some idea of strategy and what to expect from a multi-day extravaganza. I truly hope this format catches on more in the States, as it offers racers an all encompassing challenging race experience. 

This view will have to do for the week

This town has a rich history in mountain biking and truly embraces cycling culture. Crested Butte proved to be an amazing venue, offering racers a unique experience on some of the finest trails Colorado has to offer. I have raced for many years on the soil of iconic Crested Butte. After racing a bunch of downhill and cross country here in the past, I was pleased to discover some of the other rad trails this area has to offer. Before this week, I had never ridden Doctor Park.... what the hell have I been doing with my life?

Doctor Park has a bit of everything. Proper nose-pick to drift exit. Photo: Devon Balet

The picture below is of Devon Balet. Role-reversal. Guess what, Devon rips trail as hard as anyone. The photogs rarely get the credit they deserve. Check out his event coverage on Pinkbike here.

Devon getting loose

The first two days of racing were all day affairs. Two stages a day with 6000' of transition climbing to get to the goods. These were hard days, but we were rewarded with unreal race tracks. Nothing beats cruising around above treeline. This is Colorado.

Big alpine transitions are rad. Flat-landers hating life.

#thisissofuckingenduro

Space food is hard to pallet at times. Good thing I have the tastiest snacks made in my pack. During these long days on the bike, starvation is likely. Thanks for keeping us fat Honey Stinger!

Josh Carlson counting dead Honey Stinger solders. #fatkid #knowoneisfatter #thefattest

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Bud Light took over the town for the weekend, much to the dismay of the crusty locals. Everything was painted blue and free beer was served, how could this be bad? We can all agree that Bud Light sucks, but when it's free.... Too bad the race wasn't a couple of days earlier. My liver thanks you BME.

Bud Light is the worst beer ever. It's not beer. It sucks. They do know how to party however!

Bud Light has too much money apparently. My wagon wheels don't look big now, do they? #bigfoot

Merica

Day three would bring two more stages. A bit of rain the night before unfortunately led to the cancellation of one of the more rowdy stages. I shed a small tear and got on with the day. 409.5 was the first stage, slick as snot and 15' wide. This is why I ride mountain bikes. 

Trying to stay off the ground. Fail. Photo: Daniel Dunn

The transition on 409, up to Caves trail was pretty sweet as well. 

Sarah Rawley smashing 409. #smoothtrail

Kickin it in the ditch is enduro.

Day four would be a welcome rest from the all day death march status of the first three days. Don't get me wrong, I love this shit. We raced one stage on Green Lake Trail, which gave us plenty of time to head over the Evolution BIke Park to get some practice in for the final day.

Yeti Ambassador teammate Frenchie Alex crushing the start.

The fifth and final day would go down with three stage in Evolution Bike Park. These guys have been putting in work. The new Captain Jack trail is legit. 20' wide, roots, taped edge to edge. The legend that is Kain Leonard laid this masterpiece out for our shredding pleasure. I miss racing downhill sometimes. 

Roots and loam in Colorado, what a novelty. Eddie Clark Photo

After the race, before we drank too much beer, some bonus runs were in order. After five days of racing, we still want to ride our bikes. Doing it for all the right reasons. Rollin 20 deep.

Post-race jump trains, keepin it classy. Marco blew up.

And then this happened.

Cheers suckas! Eddie Clark Photo

Good times gentlemen! Daniel Dunn Photo

Check out the video recap below. Forrest and Justin killing it as usual. 

Crested Butte Ultra Enduro - 5 Days of Racing Recap from Big Mountain Enduro on Vimeo.

And now off to the best place to recover, Interbike.... Vomit.