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Blue Sky Marathon - New Colorado Race Gets Rave Reviews
Photo at Blue Sky Marathon site.
The reviews are starting up, and there’s lots of positive chatter on last weekend’s Blue Sky Marathon, a trail race in the hills between Loveland and Fort Collins.
The course is mostly single track and has a total elevation gain of just over 3,000 ft. With 46 marathon finishers and 64 half marathon finishers, the turnout was good for a first-year race. But with seemingly very competent organization, this one has potential for good growth in the future, although my understanding is that it was not a closed course (permitting can be a real chore for any race). Both the Fort Collins Trail Runners and Boulder Trail Runners groups have posted content from both participants and supporters. Here are some of the excerpts from first-hand participants:
- The course is a challenging combination of hills west of Horsetooth Reservoir, and a nice selection of fast, loops through the hogbacks in the Devil’s Backbone Open Space north of Loveland.
- … a beautiful course, enthusiastic and supportive aid statiions, and course marshalls to ensure that runners didn’t get lost.
- After the race there was a great assortment of refreshments
including delicious chili and chocolate soy milk (you don’t get that at every race!). The finishers ‘medals’ were really cool rock coasters, and the awards were rock monuments that had been quarried locally. I know many runners very much appreciated the free massages. - The race was everything you would hope for from a trail marathon.
- From a racers perspective, the race was an undisputed success. The vibe after the race was overwhelmingly positive, and I do believe a good time was had by all, despite the tougher-than-expected course.
- I’ve never encountered such enthusiastic and helpful aid stations!! And the finish area was great as well…
- The Smartwool hats were a great idea as well.
Although this one reads like a paid endorsement, the only disclaimer needed is that many of the comments came from Fort Collins Trail Runners members, which I believe is the club the organizers are affiliated with. Feel free to comment with any additional feedback about that race here.
This Just In… 6 Day Races Returns To CSU Oval
I Heard the announcement today that beginning on Sunday September 21, the FCVA will be holding practice track races on the CSU Oval every Sinday from12:30-4:30 PM. Although less structured than last Spring’s races, both road and track riders are invited. Five bucks for as many heats as you care to race. Tim, any more details? Watch the Fort Collins Velodrome Assn site for updates.
Six Day Races
Six Day Races - Fort Collins
Reposted from http://cbslocalblogs.prospero.com/n/blogs/blog.aspx?nav=main&webtag=KCNC_Moody&entry=14
To those who race bikes, Six Day Races are exactly what they sound like: races that last six days on a bike without a break.
And, yet, a group of riders and racing promoters in Fort Collins have taken that title and given it a new twist: Six Days of racing on six Sundays in a row, through May and into June, on the .4 of a mile CSU Oval in the middle of campus.
And what racing it is!
Slideshow: Photos of June 2’s races
There are numerous categories, involving every possible age group, bicycle type, skill level and gender.
There are races for licensed, adult riders on track bikes and road bikes, as you might imagine.
But, then, there are races for kids, ages 7-12 and 13-17 on bikes that range from cut down road bikes to BMX bikes, pink pastel first bikes to tricked out speedsters.
Or, anyone, of any age, on a cruiser bike gets their own category and races as well. One guy, in fact, raced a classic Stingray style bike with a banana seat. He took a magnificent face plant in the last ride of the day. He was okay.
The race styles change as well, from one lap Chariot races, to multi lap points races (with $$ prizes) to 3 lap “Win and Out” races. The packs of racers are big, the sprints are very fast, and the entire program moves very quickly. And that’s because the program is so well planned and laid out. There is never a break in the action. The crowds on hand, and they were considerable, were never at a loss for something to watch. (Including a track stand competition, where riders balanced on their bikes, without pedaling, for two minutes and 45 seconds, first with two hands on the handlebars, then one, then none. Winner carried off a Chipotle burrito. I fear I would have carried off a broken arm.)
It was a great way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon. And I can’t wait to go back again.
There are two more Sundays of racing left this season, June 8 and June 15 (Rain Date: June 22). Admission to watch is free. There is a $10 entry fee to race.
For more information on watching, racing, check out the website for the Fort Collins Velodrome Association:
