Back of the Pack Racing Colorado Chapter

Or taking the gathering to an new location and then traipsing around the state for a bit. Early November camping trips are always a gamble, but this one paid off. Pit Boss, Leader, Teach and Backpack Dan all met up at the new, out of town Spot after work Friday night. The fire was roaring as only Pit Boss and his wood can do, and plenty of barley and millet sodas were consumed. Leader may have had one too many as apparently she was quite cheerful that night - not her usual All Business mode. Changes to the charter were discussed to reflect the changes in the CO race scene. After all, it's hard to have a chapter gathering at the best party at a mountain bike race when the party has been canceled... Stay tuned for more information! "I don't need my drinking gloves when the growler is insulated."  After the sun slowly warmed the camp ground, it was time to ride. ALL BPR-CO chapter gatherings must include both adult beverages and riding bikes. Or at least talking ab...

Back of the Pack Racing - Colorado is happy to bring on another member of the crew! Stout resides on the "Best" er Western Slope of our fair state with access to some of the best riding around. (Moore Fun anyone?)  He's a firm follower of the BPR-CO charter (gears make rocks easier, rocks are fun, therefore... And suspension! And a dropper!) but also likes the simplicity of the one gear.  A Black Sheep in action How do we know Stout? Well, honestly Leader is merely a Facebook friend (so we have to be the closest, bestest of friends possible, right?) - the in person meeting has yet to happen. But when it comes to the Crew, we take the good word of The Philosofizer very seriously. Stout comes on the recommendation of The Philosofizer following many miles of pedaling and pushing in the wilds of Alaska. And who knows what else... Those bivy stops were long and it was dark and cold.... But anyway! There will be a Best Slope chapter gathering soon I'm sure... Here...

It's been a while since Teach appeared from his self-imposed seclusion, aka work. So when he suggested a chapter gathering the past weekend, of course Leader and Pit Boss had to make it happen. Nothing far, just down to Canon City and some of the best winter riding for the Front Range chapter members. There's rocks, there A-lines and B-lines and there's some great camping. So close, yet so far. Teach got down first, claiming a spot right on the trail. Leader and Pit Boss followed a little later, with Leader needing to practice what she preaches about working hard - also something about day 14... Of course, the invite for Deuce from BPR-NM was out there, but he had "homework." More then just studying for the BBI course he was taking, but "homework" in discovering the multitude of craft breweries Colorado Springs offers. He'd already gotten the tour of the primary sponsor for Leader's running antics, but with a brewery on every corner practically.....

Even though some of the crew raced at Copper Mountain a few weeks ago, the Mineral Belt Mayhem was the next primary goal for Leader and Pit Boss. A decent representation for BPR-CO arrived ready to race - although there were no plaid and patches to be seen due to other "apparel requirements."  The weather was more summer-like then winter, with the starting temperature hovering above freezing. That meant both Pit Boss and Leader could break out the spandex and ride in comfort. The rest of the crew in attendance were wearing more BPR appropriate attire, including wool jerseys and baggy shorts. The track was fast this year - despite the warm conditions. Leader managed to stay upright through the neutral start, adroitly navigating the slippery ice in the corners. Once the race hit the groomed Mineral Belt Trail, it was game on. Lights on into the fading light and riders strung out along the trail. A long slog of a climb up to the high point above the California Gulch, then ...

At least that was the plan for the Tennessee Pass Night Jam - racing on snow under the light of the full moon. The weather seemed to have other ideas and as the Crew assembled, the flakes were flying. There would be no moon on this night! Just flurries and snow piling up on the groomed course, making for some classic fat biking conditions. As usual, the Crew following Charter Rules regarding clothing and "Other Obligations." There may or may not have been patches under all the winter riding gear and there was very little spandex showing. Even Pit Boss was wearing baggies, concealing his treasured spandex. There was a record number of Phat bikers toeing the line for this year's 17th edition and the excitement was high. Almost as high as the altitude! The Crew organizing Photo - Old Guy The course was the same as last year, but completely different due to the snow. Riding hardpacked groomers with three inches of new snow makes for a new experience. The snow was heavy...