Racers gather after the inaugural Abajo Enduro mountain bike race, which took place on August 9. There were 25 racers who participated in the race, which started high in the Abajos and finished at Foy Lake. Staff photo
A racer makes a turn during the inaugural run of the Abajo Enduro, which was held on August 9. Racers began high in the Abajo Mountains, with a finish at Foy Lake. Courtsey photo
A total of 25 mountain biking enthusiasts participated in the Inaugural Abajo Enduro, a downhill mountain bike race on the Blue Mountains, on Saturday, August 9.
At the completion of the race, Mike West of Boulder, CO was declared the winner and King of the Mountain with a blazing time of 46 minutes and 30 seconds down the 11-mile trail.
Finishing in second place is Bart Gillespie, of Salt Lake City, who finished with a time of 48:46. Rounding out the top three finishers is Darcy Knight of Moab. Knight finished in 52:20.
Erin Moravec of Moab was named Queen of the Mountain with a first place in the women’s category and a time of 68:27. Ana James of Telluride, CO finished second, with Rebecca Robbins of Monticello finishing third.
The trail started at 11,000 feet elevation and dropped 3,200 feet while covering eleven miles. The trail finished at Foy Lake, where racers were greeted with cheers from sponsors, volunteers and friends.
“The course was super fun,” said race winner West, “I’ve always drove through Monticello on my way to Moab and wondered what was in these hills, I’m glad I got to come experience it for myself.”
Local involvement was key to turn the idea into a reality.
“We had 25 volunteers race day, and couldn’t have done it without them or our sponsors” said Race director Andy Platt. Platt said that the race is several years in the making, and local volunteers helped bring the whole thing together.
“The race was a huge success, the weather was perfect it was a great event,” added Platt.
After the race, prizes were raffled off and awarded to participants, and many participants enjoyed the provided paddleboards, and spots for camping.
Racers commented that the race was a great “family friendly event.”
One racer commented, “You’ve got all the big venues beat.”
Next years Abajo Enduro will take place on August 1. Platt hopes to double participation to 50 riders or more.
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