Back of the Pack Racing Colorado Chapter

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...

It all started as a friday night ride, interupted by a large beer at the end.  It has evolved to meetings at breweries to talk about bikes, and eventually bike packing.  There are those of us that take bike packing very seriously and devise the most optimal gear set up as possible (Pit Boss), and then there is me.  My primary goal is to pack as much cold beer as possible for after the ride up the mountain. Pit Boss and the Leader wouldn't make it for this outing as they had "goals" about some "race", or some shit like that. Our story begins at LZ Pit Boss.  The picture below has been redacted for operational security (OPSEC) reasons. From there a stop was made at a local watering hole for beers  essential provisions. From there the fun began.  For algorithm purposes it was 12 miles and 2210ft of up carrying gear and beer.  I always leave early as I am very slow  deliberate in my pace.  I am in the Back of the Pack, ...

Sometimes the BPR-CO does things without wheels. Which gets confusing... How does the Chapter Charter apply when there are no wheels, no mechanical advantages and no dropper posts? And what about functional clothes? Running shorts are already pretty skimpy and revealing and Charter rules are pretty clear about that one.  But I digress. Sometimes we here in Colorado like abandoning our bikes for a simpler method of travel. Exploring the world on foot can be a nice change of pace as well. With that in mind, Leader decided that it was time to tackle the distance she usually travels by bike on foot. Yes - 50 miles in the back woods of Fairplay, on the edge of South Park. It's something she's wanted to do since before becoming a cyclist. So last weekend, Leader toed the line for her race, ready to take the demons of distance. Without wheels, it was going to be a very long day for sure...  This isn't just about Leader though. It's a tale of Pit Boss - and how you can take awa...

One thing that BPR-CO prides itself on is preparation for any events - Chapter Events or otherwise. Just look at all the man-purses on Pit Boss's bike! If something breaks on the trail, I'm sure that he'll be able to fix it. Run out of water? Pit Boss usually has one if not two methods of treating water with him. Bonking? I'm always carrying way too much food and have been known to share on a few occasions. But to a limit - if someone has a flat tire, but was too much of a weight wienie to carry a tube, let alone a pump - the assistance might not be as forthcoming. We are always willing to help those who tried to help themselves. Someone who is unprepared for that they are facing? It's a little harder in that case. Obviously, I wouldn't want someone to get seriously hurt because I didn't give them a rice bar. At the same time, without that objective lesson of struggling home with no food, will that rider ever learn to prepare properly?...

Growler weekend for Pit Boss and Leader meant campfires, rocks to play on and marshmallows for toasting. They are for sharing after all... The crew hung out with the Ascent Cyling gang, ensuring full pours for all - at least after the racing!  Pit Boss took on the Half Growler, racing as he always does full squish and 34xYM. Leader took her turn as the bottle boss, piloting the Brown Bullet through out Hartmans Rocks. While her skills might not be as great as Pit Boss, she was able to cover the ground needed to ensure proper fluid delivery. Meanwhile, Pit Boss was turning the cranks, attempting to defend his single speed win from the year before. But the course is a different animal in each direction and it would not be tamed by him this year. Pit Boss finished back of the front of the back and is already making plans for next year.  Data from Pit Boss's Half Growler.  Distance: 37 miles (it's a full pour...) Elevation gain: 4462  Time: 3:23:12 Functional Clothes: ab...

The Colorado Chapter of Back of the Pack Racing was super busy this weekend! Lots of events going on and chapter members were scattered across the state partaking in all the epic single track has to offer. Duane stayed close to home, opting for the rocks of Palmer Park. He and Pit Boss had a late night the evening before, discussing Chapter details and other things at the best watering hole in town, Fieldhouse Brewing. All the extra hydration proved useful the next day in the heat of the race as he won the sprint finish at the end to finish Not Quite Back of the Pack in his class. It was a long day regardless with five laps of racing.  Duane.... Riding his bike Photo - Pit Boss Data from Ascent Cycling Race #1 Elevatioin Change - TBA Distance - TBA Functional Clothes - baggies and a jersey - there might have been some spandex in the jersey Suspension - at least in the front... Gears - probably Pit Boss did his usual behind the scenes magic. There's nary a photo ...