[Smiles for miles]

I'm looking to start racing some in CO. Did the Leadville 50 last summer and might sign up for the Firecracker 50 for next summer. What other, shorter xc races in CO do you recommend? I'm looking for fun courses and am comfortable with anything up to the blue/black trail level. Rock gardens are not my favorite. Maybe courses with more dirt and less rocks/gravel? Thanks

 

[maynard4130]

Pikes Peak Apex series

 

[BrianMTB]

Emerald Mountain Epic in steamboat is 53 miles of buffed out and mostly flowy singletrack. That one was a ton of fun, very well put on.

Laramie Range Epic in southern WY was probably my favorite last year. It’s a mix of very loamy singletrack and flowy singletrack (two different trail systems with a short gravel connector).

I’ve heard the Firecracker 50 is fantastic, so you probably can’t go wrong there. Also, the Gunnison Growler is supposed to be a good one.

 

[sooshee]

For a typical XCO style course and length, Fangdango in Bailey is fun. No rock gardens, lots of corners.

 

[FJSnoozer]

Nationals at winter park in July because USAC sucks and is going to likely have it at the same place for the 4th consecutive calendar year.

Also, put Palo duro Marathon on your calendar for November. It’s fantastic.


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[JimiMimni]

I'm in a similar boat as you, making a return to XC racing after a long break, and looking for events. I stumbled across this list, which is a bit out of date, but a good starting spot if you're looking to build a calendar.

Colorado Mountain Bike Race List

XC, Endurance, DH, Enduro, 12/24-Hour, Gravel - we've compiled a comprehensive every MTB race in Colorado, cause we love to race, too!

circarealestategroup.com

It would seem that these folks put on a good race as well: Home - Rattler Racing - Colorado's Favorite Bike Race Series.

Highland's Ranch has a local series on week nights: Mountain Bike Series

Breckenridge has a local series too, same company that does the Firecracker: SUMMIT MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE | Maverick Sports Promotions - Where the athlete is first! I'll plan on seeing you there, by the way!

Winter Park also has their "classics" XC series. Winter Park Classics - XC Mountain Bike Race Series

Hope these help!

 

[Smiles for miles]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Crankout]

I'd recommend the ones you plan to podium.

 

[FJSnoozer]

I'd recommend the ones you plan to podium.

I hate “ only shows up twice a year to podium” guy


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[sgltrak]

@sooshee Are you building a list for 2022?

 

[sooshee]

@sooshee Are you building a list for 2022?

Yep, it's on my website and I'm adding dates as they're released: Colorado & Wyoming Mountain Bike Race Calendar

 

[bikeranzin]

Also, put Palo duro Marathon on your calendar for November. It’s fantastic.

Marathon nats, or are they just doing a non-championship race? My wife and I were so bummed to miss Palo Duro.

 

[FJSnoozer]

Marathon nats, or are they just doing a non-championship race? My wife and I were so bummed to miss Palo Duro.

They always have the Texas race in November. It has a good payout and usually draws a few West coast pros.

It has traditionally been a 3 lap affair instead of 2 like nationals, so you can run bottles pretty easily.

It’s also mass start, so quite a different experience than marathon nationals, which was a pretty rough age group start. I remember two guys fighting on the ground after they had crashed each other out.


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[uintah]

Grand Junction Mountain Bike & Music Festival. (Formerly Epic Rides GJ Off Road) The GJ Sports Commission, with the help of the local MTB community, is keeping the legend alive. Same course, prize $ and downtown music festival and beer garden.

BikeReg - online cycling event registration

www.bikereg.com