I raced, or rather rode the black course. In the mountains it can be cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon. Or as evidenced by Saturday, rain can pop up at any time.
Start of the race at 6:30am it was about 45 degrees. The start of the race had a 2ish mile neutral roll out. From there the gas was fully on. The rolling hills of Steamboat and likely some of the best gravel roads in the country pair well for an amazing race and did not disappoint. Throughout the day it heated up, topping out around 85 degrees. A 40 degree swing is not uncommon up there.
It's a big day with 140 miles and 10k-ish of climbing. I'd say that the course is not particularly difficult or technical, but don't forget that you are in the mountains and the altitude can be a big added challenge.
Personally, I have been riding the social rides in Steamboat this summer so I knew the course and what to expect. I rolled out with a goal in mind but I would be happy with having fun. I planned to race my race and see what happened. I stayed in contact with a few groups from the start for a while, getting slightly dropped on the climbs and catching back up on the descents/ flats. The differing abilities and confidence riding gravel descents was evident and can be frustrating at times but it all plays out in the end. I enjoyed the aid stations and actually didn't eat anything I brought.
I stuck with my plan and felt great through about 100 miles when the long Trout Creek climb came up. I had been riding with a friend until then and she went on as I slowed in the heat.
My legs came back around after the mile 116 aid station and I pushed on the way back to town. I once again rode my pace up the 2 final climbs, got my popsicle at the top and then hammer down to the end.
The Cow Creek descent towards the end is probably the most technical section (just bumpy), but a good place to let it rip.
There are a few more rollers in to town and then a finish where we started. Beat my goal and felt good about the day. I had no mechanical's thankfully.
Overall, this was one of the best events I have ever done. I highly recommend this event, or just riding in Steamboat if you get a chance.
My race rig:
2018 Canyon Inflite CF SLX 9.0 2x Ultegra 36/46, 11/32
Rodeo Labs 700c 30mm Carbon wheels
Panaracer GK SK 38's tubeless
Ornot Bar Bag
jake
Get outside!