#LeadvilleTrail100MTB

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Leadville Trail 100 MTB Recap

The 2019 Leadville Trail 100 MTB Race was held in Leadville, Colorado on August 10.  Also known as the Race Across the Sky, the race takes racers over the Colorado Rockies at elevations ranging between 10,100 to 12,400 feet. A racer is challenged to catch their breath, while the views try to take it away. 

History: Leadville, Colorado

Nicknamed The Two-Mile-High City, and Cloud City, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the United States and is tucked into the Colorado Rockies in Lake County, Colorado at 10,152 feet above sea level. The city was founded between two silver-lead rich deposits after a brief gold rush in the mid 1800s.  By the later part of the century, Leadville was one of the largest producing silver camps in the world and reached its peak population of around 40,000 people. Through the depletion of resources, and the closing of several mines over the next 100 years, Leadville was in an economic decline.  Once the final mining operation closed its doors in 1981, the town refocused its efforts to promote tourism and outdoor recreation in hopes of revitalizing its struggling economy. With this shift towards growth, the Leadville 100 was conceived in 1983 by founders Ken Chlouber and Merilee Maupin as an ultra-marathon, a 100 mile run. This was the start of the Leadville Race Series and the re-birth of one of America’s most unique cities.  

Legacy Foundation 

The Leadville Legacy Foundation was created in 2002 as a means to address the issues and needs of the Leadville community residents. The foundation exists in part by contributions from individuals and corporations, as well as a portion of race entry fees. The core values and pillars that keep the Legacy Foundation thriving are education, economic vitality, community, recreation and legacy.  The Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation raised just over $312,000 between charity slots, the Dream Chaser, and donations throughout this weekend alone. 

“For some, a high school diploma is the end of the road for these old miner families and their kids ... through the Trail 100 Scholarship program, we provide $1,000 scholarships to every graduating Lake County Senior choosing to pursue any form of higher education,” says Ken Chlouber. 

For more information on how to donate: https://www.leadvilletrail100legacy.org/

Race Experience

One-hundred miles across high altitude and extreme terrain is a daunting task in itself. Add in time cut offs, weather, nutrition -- and in BikeFlights.com’s Rocky Mountain Marketing Manager Michael’s case, two days of working the expo -- this race is quite a challenge.  A mountain biker might claim the Leadville Trail 100 MTB Race to be a road biker’s course, however a road biker might claim this to be a mountain bikers course.  The race is not so forward and direct. Yes, a road biker’s endurance and ability to pedal will help keep the legs spinning, however there are many aspects, including loose rock, technical descents and power climbs, that benefit mountain bikers. Let’s be fair, a mountain biker won the men’s and women’s pro field and in the end. This race is just plain hard. 

BikeFlights.com’s Race Experience

Michael Potter, BikeFlights.com’s Outreach and Marketing Manager for the Rocky Mountain Region also “raced across the sky” in his first ever endurance mountain bike race. 

“The race started very similarly to some of the gravel events I’ve raced in the past. It was a mass start out of town before hitting some gravel and eventually double and single track trails. We were flying for the first 3 hours, and were on pace for a sub 8-hour finishing time. Up Columbine [climb], I really started to suffer. This is the biggest and hardest climb of the race, however every subsequent climb there after felt just as hard. Aid stations were crucial, as I raced unsupported. Potato chips and Coca-Cola saved my day and I was able to finish in 8:41:52; which was fast enough to earn the coveted ‘big buckle.’  I would love to ride this course again outside of competition so that I could really take in the sights - the views were incredible,” - Michael Potter

Race Across the Sky Expo

For two days, prior to the start of the race, BikeFlights.com was on-site at the Race Across the Sky Expo. This time was used for participants to get their packet picked up and browse the many companies in attendance. It was fantastic to see so many exhibitors showing their “latest and greatest” technologies, as well as conversing with all those cyclists interested in sharing their insights, race tactics and past experiences racing the “LT100.” As first timers, we were impressed with the heart of the competitors and the welcoming arms into their community. We look forward to returning next year! 

Race Across the Sky Expo

Leadville Trail 100 MTB Champions Howard Grotts and BikeFlights.com Brand Ambassador Rose Grant

A mural map of Leadville, Colorado found in town.

The evolution of Leadville enjoys a cold one! 

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