I am really excited because I finally got the courage to sign up for a mtn. bike stage race. The Breck Epic in August is looking to be a really good time. Supposedly the courses will be mostly single-track with beautiful views. Six days of epic rides sounds great. However, I am also living in fear after looking at the course profiles. All the stages have at least 3000ft of elevation gain and some of them are double that.  The whole race take place above 9000 ft.   Guess I need to up my game!

To help overcome my fear I am going to take a number of actions. One of them is that I am just going to ride a lot. This will serve many purposes the primary one being a great excuse to do some epic rides in the name of goal setting and training and all that stuff you are supposed to do to be on the cover of a Wheaties box. I am also working with a coach which hopefully will be a valuable learning experience or possibly a colossal waste of time. If you have a chance check out this article on how to spend your money for bike racing.  It basically says get a coach before you get a really expensive bike.  I can tell you that it feels so good in a race to blow by someone whose bike is worth more than your car.  Unfortunately the generous folks at Santa Cruz have hooked me up with a really nice ride for this year and deprived me of the pleasure of not having the best bike on the course.

Lessons learned so far.  Fear is a great motivator, signing up for something way in advance forces you to actually try not to look like a total idiot in your chosen event, and use your resources wisely

Run the Alice Toxaway Loop: This is one of the best trail runs ever! Alpine lakes, Mountain vistas, and manageable terrain make this a great long run. If you can’t make it to that marathon you wanted to, try this run instead. I guarantee it will be less crowded.

Ride from Ketchum to Hailey and back on dirt roads and trails: Link this ride together and you will never think about your commute up and down the valley the same way again.

Hike Kent, Ryan, and Glasford Peaks in a day: Close to town and cheaper than flying to Everest.

Hike Hyndman, Cobb, & Old Hyndman Peaks in a day: You see these peaks looking down on you from everywhere. Don’t you think its time you saw the view from the top?

Run the big Adams Gulch Loop: Sure you’ve been on Lane’s trail a zillion times. Take the adventure a little farther and see some territory.

Ride Corral, Pioneer Cabin, Johnstone, Bear, Parker: This is an epic ride that you start and end right from the Ketchum/Sun Valley area. No driving and tons of sweet single-track = Must Do.

The maps above are just general guides for more detailed map and trail info visit the following pages:
Sun Valley Trails By Name
Sun Valley Overview Map
Stanley Trails By Name
Stanley Overview Map

For more information visit the Blaine County Rec District website here.