24-Hours of Moab mountain bike race begins today

Ever wonder what it would be like to ride a mountain bike across a scenic, but challenging, course for 24 hours straight? Me neither! But that’s exactly what competitors in the 24-Hours of Moab mountain bike race are preparing to do when the event gets underway today at noon local time in Moab, Utah. As you can probably deduce from the name, the ride won’t end until noon tomorrow, after a very long, and grueling, day in the saddle for the riders.

Racers are allowed to compete in three categories, riding as an individual or part of a two or four person relay team. If they are part of a team, they’ll be allowed to switch out from time to time and get some much needed rest. The individuals will have it the toughest however, riding solo while trying to accumulate as many laps as possible before the 24 hour cut off.

The course is a challenging one for sure. Consisting mostly of old jeep trails, the route winds its way through the scenic backcountry that Utah is so famous for, ensuring that the riders will at least have something beautiful to look at along the way. Not that they’ll have time to notice however, as some of the bigger drops will have them rushing down hills at over 40 mph, as they carefully pick their lines hoping to avoid danger along the way. The entire route is just 15 miles in length, and the top riders will be able to finish laps in under an hour, but the more than 1360 feet of vertical gain on each lap will have their legs crying out for mercy. Especially when it is the middle of the night and they’ve already been riding for more than 12 hours straight.

The race has been going on for 15 years now, and during that time it has earned itself a reputation as one of the top endurance mountain biking events in the world. This year, there will be more than $20,000 in cash, and another $15,000 in prizes, up for grabs, although for most of the riders it is all about the fun and camaraderie of the event.

[Photo credit: Xavi Fane]

Moab promises adventure and fun this fall

For many outdoor enthusiasts, Moab is the epicenter of adventure in the western United States. Located in eastern Utah, the city is home to 5000 residents and serves as a great home base for travelers who visit the region in search of an adventurous escape. The area boasts some of the best hiking, paddling, and mountain biking found anywhere in North America, and Moab’s proximity to the Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, makes it all the more appealing for a getaway. With a host of other great activities on the docket for the fall, now may be the perfect time to plan your visit.

Fans of mountain biking and endurance sports will find plenty to keep them busy throughout October and November for instance, the 24-Hours of Moab bike race takes place October 9th and 10th, pitting 550 individuals and teams against one another in an event that last for one full day, on a course designed to challenge their skills and break their spirits. If that event doesn’t quench your thirst for mountain biking however, you can return later in the month for the four-day Moab Ho-Down Bike Fest, which runs from October 28 – 31, and features multiple races, a crazy bike jumping contest, movies, and more.

Perhaps you prefer your bikes have a motor instead of pedals? In that case you’ll want to check out the KTM Adventure Rider Rally, which will be held on October 15-17. That event offers off road riding for the motorcycle crowd and includes technical training and riding seminars, guided rides through the surrounding wilderness, a BBQ, and much more. The rally has been held in Moab for seven years, and gives motorcycle enthusiasts an opportunity to ride some of the best trails in the west in a safe and fun fashion.

As if that wasn’t enough adventure to draw you to Moab, the city will also play host to the Checkpoint Tracker National Adventure Racing Championships. This event will pull in some of the best adventure and endurance athletes from around the country to run, ride, climb, and paddle their way through a hundred miles of the region’s amazing backcountry. The 24-hour long race takes place on October 29 and 30.

For those who simply enjoy taking in the scenery in a more relaxed manner, consider the Plein Air Festival which is going on now through the 9th of October. This more staid event features dozens of artists who descend on Moab, and the surrounding area, to compete for prize money in a variety of categories. There will also be a number of workshops with those same artists providing demonstrations and instructions on how to paint. Visitors can also enjoy an art walk, awards show, and two distinct auctions.

Finally, the beginning of November brings the Moab Folk Festival, which takes place November 5-7 and features plenty of live music and workshops as well. Tickets are available here and you can checkout the line-up of musicians and bands that will be on hand by clicking here.

Will all of these great events taking place this fall, Moab is sure to have something for everyone.

[Photo credit: Tom Johnson, Sedona Magazine, via WikiMedia]