Breckenridge, CO
Distance: 50 miles
Elevation gain: 10,800′
Time: 4 hrs 37 min
I can honestly say that there are very few mountain bike races in Colorado that I’ve never done. After 18 seasons you pretty much do them all at some point or another. But until now, the Firecracker 50 was one of my white whales…
Photo: SummitDailyNews
On a race course that starts at 9200′ elevation and climbs to 11,200′ twice per 25 mile lap, I’d find out why.
It’s got to be fun, right? I mean 749 other people must be thinking the same thing? During the race’s initial climb I’d glance around and see the heavy hitters – JHK, Weins, Trebon, J Bishop, Stetina, the list goes on. It wouldn’t take long for the elite field to get strung out – you’ve got your pros, and then you’ve got your working class pros…
For me, this event was as much a race against myself as it was against my competitors. A battle against my own mental state to continue, pedal stroke after pedal stroke. After 3 hours, 5 gel shots, and running on fumes; knowing full well I’d have another hour and a half until it was over, I’d drag myself up the steep and rocky slopes of Little French Gulch towards timberline once more…
A course as physically demanding as this deserves much respect. A true mountain biker’s course; each of two 25 mile laps combines twisty singletrack, loose and rocky mining roads, kidney-bruising and jaw-clenching descents, and quad-busting climbs. It is a true punisher, and has become a true Colorado favorite…
For me this race was about sheer survival. I’m a 2-hour race type guy, and it shows. Imagine coming through the finish area after 2 hours of racing, and after climbing 5400′ in elevation, and then having to go out and do it all over again. If finishing this race was my goal, then a successful day it was…
Photo: www.PikesPeakSports.us
And so after 4 hours and 37 minutes, I’d cross the line 31st in the pros and a-ok with it; cramped and bordering on dilerium. Well past the point of grimacing, totally withdrawn from the present…
Photo: www.PikesPeakSports.us
And to that guy perched high on Little French Gulch, playing the banjo as depleted endurance freaks slowly pressed on, thanks for the timely distraction. Your music made me smile in the midst of the pain. The course was a blast, but the memories are even better…
Nice! Keep pushing the limit. How’s the new job, are you biking to work yet? Drop me a line now and then!