Mountain athletes will switch from planks to two-wheelers this coming weekend, as a world-class mountain bike racing field gathers in the Grand Valley for the 10th Annual 18 Hours of Fruita grinds into gear at Highline Lake State Park. Racers from across the country and the world will begin their fat tire racing odyssey at midnight, Saturday, May 3.
The team or rider who completes the most laps and has the best time after riding non-stop for 18 hours on a challenging seven-mile loop around Highline and Mack Mesa lakes will take home the prize. The annual race continues to grow in popularity, attracting riders from across the country and the world to Highline Lake State Park to compete in a demanding test of skills and endurance.
"It's a great event, whether you are a racer or just want to watch some great, competitive mountain biking," said park manager Alan Martinez. "This is the place to be if you enjoy fat tires, bikes, fun people and a fantastic park."
Martinez reminds the public that between 6 p.m on Friday, May 2 through 10:00 p. m. Saturday, May 3, the east side of the park will be closed to the public to make room for the estimated 100 racers that will camp there. In addition, the entire trail system is reserved for race participants during the event.
Spectators can enter through the park's east or west entrances. Anyone visiting the park for boating, fishing and picnicking during the race is asked to use the west park entrance only.
A valid, $7.00 daily parks pass or $70 annual pass is required on each vehicle entering the park.
For more information about the race, please visit www.fruitamountainbike.com/18hours/
For more information about Highline Lake State Park, visit: www.cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/highlinelake or call 970-858-7208.
For a map of the race course, visit: www.cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/HighlineLake/Documents/18HourTrailMap.pdf
Filed in Colorado News | Summer Activities |