Laramie Enduro

Saddle Up in Cowboy Country!

The first day of August found a number of Chipotle-Titus riders in cowboy country, racing the Laramie Enduro 111K in southern Wyoming. Why 111K? I don't know the answer to that but it translates to 70-ish miles of rolling hills, rocky climbs, wooded roller coasters, and some (nearly always windy) dirt roads. The smell of sage and cedar are in the air around that part of the country, situated at over 7,500 feet. Chipotle-Titus fielded 6 riders who all finished strong, most in the top 10 in their respective category: John Bliss, Michele Bliss, Drew Geer, Toni Geer, Kay Levesque (single speed), and Gary Thacker (3rd in his category!). The course is tough, with the second half tougher than the first half. This year's heavy rains made for tacky banked turns, loamy soil, muddy bogs, a few wet roots, and a nearly crotch-deep stream crossing. Due to the open range in that area, the mud was more than just mud....but the sage and cedar do a lot to temper the aroma of cow pies.

Don't let a few cow pies put you off! If you've never done this race, put it on your list of goals for next year. It is capped at 400 riders so once past the first 4 or 5 miles, you will have plenty of space to ride your own pace. The terrain is varied and interesting, with nothing repeated for 70 miles. Although you will climb over 8,000 feet total, the route rolls so nicely that you'll never notice. Really. Would I lie to you? Maybe the spectacular scenery will help distract you from your burning legs and lungs. If not, the post-race festivities will help you forget the pain. I'm not talking about a few bananas. We're talking BEER! Music! Raffle! BBQ! Brownies!

Forget chaps. Bring your chamois to Cowboy Country next year. You won't regret it. This is the ultra endurance race to do! The terrain & varied trail beats the heck out of Leadville. This is actually a race you will want to do year after year. See you there in 2010!