Abajo Enduro brings excitement, beauty

Registration is still open for the fifth-annual mountain-biking Abajo Enduro event. Both attendees and racers can enjoy the beauty of Monticello, UT.
Mountain bikers won’t want to miss the various landscapes showcased in the fifth annual Abajo Enduro race taking place Friday and Saturday, August 3-4. Registration for the race is still open and only 50 riders are accepted for the two-day, three-stage event.
The Abajo Enduro course takes riders near Bears Ears National Monument, through a hidden enclave of the mountains in Monticello, and more.
“Most people think of southeastern Utah as a desert, but the Abajo Enduro showcases a whole new perspective,” said Natalie Randall, director of San Juan County Economic Development and Visitor Services.
“Starting in Monticello, the race twists and turns through pine, fir, aspen, and red rock country, giving riders and spectators a never-ending excitement for the race and the beautiful landscape.”
This year, the three stages of the Abajo Enduro event include Shay Ridge, Robertson Pasture, and Spring Creek Trail. At each stage of the race, shuttles will be provided to take racers to the starting location.
Racers will begin Friday afternoon with 2.4 miles of stout climbing through aspen trees to be rewarded with 4.5 miles of fast descent.
Saturday morning, bikers will zip in and out of alpine meadows, dark forest areas and the crested buttes overlooking Canyonlands National Park and beyond, climbing to 10,500 feet in elevation to traverse Robertson Pasture. This part of the race is about 7.5 miles.
The trail finishes Saturday afternoon with Spring Creek, a 3.8-mile ride through aspen and pine forests and semi-desert territory
The Enduro is open to families, visitors and community members to watch the end of each stage. Following the event, families and racers can attend an award ceremony where they can enjoy food and a raffle.
If interested in racing, bikers ages 16 and older can sign up by paying $75 to participate in the race. Each rider is required to bring their own bike and helmet. Riders are recommended to bring water, a flat repair kit, snacks, and anything else they may need for the race.
For more information about the Abajo Enduro, email info@roamutah.com or call 435-590-2741. For future communication regarding the event, follow @abajoenduro18 on Facebook.