The Leadville Trail 100 - A 100 mile mountain bike race at 10,200 feet above sea level. As soon as Brian received his acceptance he trained his butt off running and lifting all summer. You may have noticed I didn't say "running, lifting, and biking", well that's because we didn't actually get Brian's mountain bike until about 3 weeks before the race. Brian purchased a 29er LENZ from a friend of a friend who happens to live in Salt Lake City, UT. So...we took a little road trip, stayed with Brian's brother Jeff in Park City, and the following day picked up his bike and drove back home to BV.
Here's a little description of the race for those unfamiliar.
excerpt from leadvilletrail100.com:
It’s an uphill battle. Even downhill
Determination. Guts. Insanity. If you don’t have them, stop reading now. Leadville events aren’t for everyone. They’re for only the toughest athletes looking to challenge themselves — and impress the world. Set 13,000 feet up in the treacherous Colorado Rocky terrain, the strong may survive, but only a few will leave with their pride.
Race Description
This is it. The race of all races. 100 miles across the high-altitude, extreme terrain of the Colorado Rockies. Created for only the most determined athletes. Starting at 9,000 feet and climbing to 13,000 feet, you’ll be challenged to catch your breath — while the views try to take it away.
Making his place at the starting line, getting ready for 100 miles of mountain adventures and competitor uncertainty.
The group of 1600 plus people heading down 6th St, just passed our old rental house. Our buddy Zak was still living there, so he let us hang out on his front porch.
We set up camp at the Pipeline Aid Station, which was about 25 miles in to the course. This was a perfect location to watch the variety of riders roll on by after their first 25 miles, and then again see them hammering by after 75 miles! I have so much admiration for them!
Waiting for Brian to make his first pass by through Pipeline. Mom and Dad spent the day with me, cheering Brian and the other participants on. It was SO great to have them there with me! My friend Rachel was only a few tents down with the CTS crowd, so we too got to catch up, and discuss Lance and Levi.
Switching out water bottles and adding new GUs to his food supply. He felt like he was on par with his goals! Dad was ready with a banana and water, while Mom was capturing the moments with our camera. Thank you!!
Taking in some chia water to help reduce the lactic acid build up while he's hammering through miles and miles of rocky trails.
And he's off, we'll see him again after 50 more miles!! He's such a stud!
Levi Leiphemer cruising by, the leader of the pack, one of Lance Armstrong's teammates for those of you who don't know. Levi just rode the Tour de France previous to this race, although it's totally different road surface, endurance-wise he was rather prepared. Lance was supposed to ride this year also, but apparently one of his injuries prevented him.
Brian made it back through Pipeline a little behind the time he was hoping for. But, he had a flat tire along the way and needed to stop and take in a little more food around the Columbine climb. He was doing great though, smiling like a champ!
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!!
Brian finished in 10 hours, 50 minutes, and 54 seconds. I'm not sure where my photos of him finishing went to, but he rode up the hill to Harrison with strength, humility, and excitement!
The following morning we picked up his personalized LT100 sweat shirt with name and time stamped on, as well as a t-shirt, tubes, tires, and other goodies.
Oh, this is Ryan (the one in the back right with glasses, hat, and white t-shirt), he's one of the former Bachelor competitors who lives in Vail. My friend Rachel was kind of obsessed, so this photo was for her.
We're eagerly waiting for Brian's name to be called from the stage by Ken, the coordinator and creator of the LT100 events. If you finish under 12 hours, you receive a novelty LT100 belt buckle. Receiving one of these was Brian's ultimate goal...which he did with time to spare!!
Yessir! There it is, the prized gold and silver belt buckle! Congratulations Brian!! I can't even imagine how to portray Brian's experience, so ask him about it, and prepare to be amazed! I'd say his expression is a good indicator!
Mom and Dad purchased the Race Across the Sky video of the 2010 LT100 race, so let us know if you want to borrow it. You'll be totally floored at how awesome and challenging this event is.
