Registration open for Big Mountain Enduro Series – filling up fast

Registration for the Big Mountain Enduro Series presented by Yeti Cycles opened today for all three events. Entries for the first two events is capped at 200 participants and registration for The Whole Enchilada is limited to 150 participants, with half open at 7 a.m. and the remainder at 8 p.m. to give riders equal opportunity to register regardless of their schedule.

"We expect the events to sell out quickly based on the response we have already received," said Sarah Rawley, Bigfoot Productions public relations. "The Big Mountain Enduro Series brings racing to a new plane in the mountain bike arena, universally accessible by every mountain-biker, and takes no special equipment other than your favorite trail bike, which at the same time is challenging enough for the pros. The Big Mountain Enduro Series is nothing like the stress and tension usually associated with competition, but more similar to going out on an epic ride with your friends to enjoy the incredible scenery and trails Colorado has to offer. This is something for all mountain bikers to enjoy."

The three venues were specifically selected to satisfy this criteria with each course approximately 30 miles long and best navigated by a trail or all-mountain style bike.

Buff Pass Enduro, July 20-22,  Steamboat Springs, Colo.

The Buff Pass Enduro will begin with a mass start by category at 10,180 feet and have three miles to spread out the field on undulating climbs and descents before it hits singletrack and rolls along alpine meadows, lush forests and lakes to the junction of Fish Creek Falls and Mountain View. The significant climb on Mountain View will be neutralized (not timed) to the top of Steamboat Ski Area where it will descend for 3,000 feet to the base of the ski area, for a total of 6,500′ of descending. Riders will need to ride a shuttle provided by the race to the start on Buffalo Pass.

Kennebec Pass Enduro, August 31 – September 2, Durango, Colo.

The race will begin from the top of Kennebec Pass on the Colorado Trail and travel to the bottom of Dry Fork Trail, just west of Durango, Colo. The race will be an individual time trial start with one minute intervals. The race descends for eight miles on some of the most spectacular singletrack in the state of Colorado. There is a 100-foot waterfall to grab your attention as you make your way through nine technical sections and creek crossings. At the bridge crossing on Junction Creek, the race will be neutralized (not timed) for three miles towards High Point. From where the clock starts again, the race will descend down to Dry Fork Trail, a wide open, fast, rocky trail with bermed singletrack turns. Racers will descend 6,800-feet over the course. Riders will be required to ride from the mandatory shuttle drop at 8,800′ to 11,200′, the start of the race over five miles. This is not a part of the race, but a requirement due to the lack of parking at the start near the top of Kennebec Pass.

The Whole Enchilada, September 28-30, Moab, Utah

The series finale will race down the most acclaimed trail in Moab, a top five in the U.S. and perhaps one of the most distinguishable trails in the world. At 30 miles and 7,000 feet of descending, The Whole Enchilada Enduro turns an epic all-day ride into a test of fitness and technical skills as riders race from the top of the La Sal Mountains down through four different climate zones to Porcupine Rim, where they finish just above the Colorado River. The race begins at Geiser Pass in mass start categories untimed to Burro Pass where upon order of arrival the will be released in one minute intervals. From Burro Pass the race will descend to Kokopelli, Hazard county, UPS, LPS and Porcupine Rim trails, excluding the final two miles of the technical singletrack of Porcupine Rim due to its classification as a Wilderness Study Area which prohibits competitions through there. All racers will need to ride the mandatory shuttle provided by the race and attend a mandatory rider meeting on Saturday afternoon at the Archway Inn in Moab along with packet pick up.

Enduro – the future of mountain bike racing

On the cover of Dirt Rag Issue #161 we highlighted just how awesome enduro racing can be, and we’re thrilled to be a sponsor of the Big Mountain Enduro Series

"We are excited to bring some of the best venues in the country to the enduro racing circuit," said Keith Darner, Bigfoot Productions race director, "that provide a sustained backcountry experience with races between 1.5 and two hours for the winning pro times."

With the UCI working on establishing an official Enduro Calendar for 2013, Rawley hopes to set a new standard in Enduro racing with US courses. "We have been receiving feedback for years to create a race style that focuses on the best all-around trail rider who can tackle any type of terrain, the fastest. We are fortunate to have this terrain in our backyard," Rawley said.

These events are under permit of the US Forest Service and US Bureau of Land Management.