The CT Classic will take place in conjunction with the CT Jamboree on Sunday, July 24th, 2011. In the spirit of our mission, we are asking racers to also take part in raising funds and awareness for our cause. If you are a racer who wants to do the CT Classic, please view our mission statement and become acquainted with us. The event organizers thought the CT Classic could bring a new face to the trail and added the CT Classic in 2008. The turnout was impressive and the race times even more so! All proceeds from the CT Classic will benefit MS in Colorado, the Colorado Trail Foundation and Trails 2000. Racers can ask friends and their sponsors to support them in this epic race while simultaneously helping Americans living with MS find ways of pursuing an active lifestyle. In addition, race entry fees will go towards maintaining the Colorado Trail for future generations.
The cost of registration for the CT Classic is $125 and all support is tax deductible.
Race Description
This 74 mile Endurance Mountain Bike Race traverses across some of the finest alpine single track on the planet. Beginning on Molas Pass, in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, the race course will take riders along the Colorado Trail reaching its terminus at the Junction Creek trailhead in Durango. Due to the length and commitment of this epic race, the event is purely designed as a self supported MTB Race and all riders are expected to have the knowledge and equipment to sustain themselves for the entire length of the trail. There will be potable water available at Hotel Draw, but other than that, self sufficiency is imperative! The CT Classic will take place on a remarkable portion of the Colorado trail and although it is clearly a “classic” section of trail, as most of you know, alpine riding can change in an instant. Be prepared for the worst! Please view and read all the information below and the Fact Sheet before you register and understand the objective hazards that are at times unavoidable.
There is additional information on the CT Jamboree main page that racers may find very useful:
Race Rules
‘Do it Yourself’ Endurance Racing
This solo, self supported style has become a standard for this type of race and follows a strict code of ethics. The principles are basically upheld by honor and integrity and every rider must be willing to surrender to these guidelines if they plan to attend the CT Classic.
- No Food or water drops (there will be a H2O re-supply at the half way point at Hotel Draw)
- You may ride with other people for moral support, but if you require major assistance (mechanical, food or medical), then you may be disqualified from the race. The severity of the terrain means that we may need to assist someone in need, which would be encouraged. So let’s face it, we will all be there for each other, however the completion of the race is hinged upon your abilities to do it yourself.
- There will be a 7 hour cut off time for the half way point at Hotel Draw.
Some form of light is mandatory!
The race begins at 5:30 am on July 24th, with sunrise at 6:11 am. You should not need lights for long, but could easily need them 14 hours later with sunset at 8:24 pm. A modest moving average speed on this entire 75 mile section of the Colorado Trail can be around 6-7 mph with good trail conditions. So, do the math, if nothing goes wrong, you still might need a light in Junction Creek or who knows where else. It’s all about the break times and, of course, the conditions!
The Low Down on the Cut OFF Times
If you haven’t made it to our check point at Hotel Draw, which is 36 miles from Molas Pass, in 7 hours then you will not be part of the race anymore! The remaining 39 miles to Durango, are very committing and bail outs are nil. If you do not make it to the mid-way point by the cut off time, you will get a DNF. If you intend to finish the ride no one will stop you, but your time will not be published in the final race results.
Alpine ABCs and Weather Factor 9er
As with most alpine endeavors, inclement weather can be a factor. In fact, it can completely shut us down. July has the potential to be peak monsoon season, but it can also be pleasant. If race organizers see the potential for severe weather, the race (CTC) and tour (CTJ) will be called OFF. Although we can’t offer refunds, rain checks will be honored.
