I recently checked out this video, “Race Across The Sky,” and I highly recommend it to anyone remotely interested in cycling or mountain biking. I remember seeing the trailer for it in the theater last year when I took my daughter to a movie. She (six years old at the time) saw it and knew I was getting into cycling, and after seeing a scene on the mountain top said, “Daddy, I never want you to ride again!” I assured her I wouldn’t ride on a hill like that and told her not to worry about me getting hurt. After watching “Race Across The Sky,” however, I do believe that someday I would like to give the Leadville Trail 100 a shot. Insane? Absolutely!
“Race Across The Sky” is the story of the 2009 Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race. It begins at 10,000+ feet above sea level, against the misty backdrop of a former mining town, Leadville, Colorado–1228 cyclists start the grueling 100 mile race. Racers include seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, six-time defending champion Dave Wiens and three-time World 24 hr Champion Rebecca Rusch.
The video is a worthwhile in seeing how the race is put together and the grueling challenge that it is. It’s not necessarily about Lance Armstrong or the hometown hero Dave Wiens; it’s more about how the many competitors come together and share the challenge, how they encourage each other. Even Armstrong was taken aback at how everyone within the race cheers for each other. The Leadville Trail 100 is about everyone who participates. It’s about overcoming. It’s about finishing. Several riders who share their stories will touch your heart, inspire you, and encourage you to push yourself and press forward in achieving your goals.
The race is a 100-mile course, a 50-mile out and back race within the beautiful, high altitude mountains and valleys around Leadville, Colorado. It’s mostly is on back-country roads with some short sections of paved road. The entire course is above 9,000 ft. and climbs to almost 13,000 ft. A coveted, handcrafted gold and silver trophy buckle is the reward for those who finish under nine hours. Under 12 hours: handcrafted silver buckle. Hooded sweatshirt and medal to all finishers under 12 hours. The “Race Across The Sky” Mountain Bike Race is the internationally acclaimed test of endurance that requires all entrants to “Dig Deep!”
The DVD is available from the official website and retails for $29.95 or $39.95 for Blu-Ray. The 2010 race is to be held on Saturday August 12. You can dig up more info or register for the 2011 race by visiting www.leadvilletrail100.com.
If you consider yourself a cyclist, you’ll love the experience of the race and the gorgeous scenery. Check it out! And if you’re involved in road or mountain bike races you’d like us to know about at Benosh, shoot me an email at ben (at) benosh.com!
