The 900 riders are broken up into 4 categories. 9-mile single track fun ride, 30-mile gravel grinder fun ride, 35-mile single track and 50-mile single track. They even had a kid race around the venue that had around 40 riders (not included in the 900) -- the future of the sport. If you haven’t witnessed this event, it is truly remarkable. The amount of effort that goes into planning, hosting and executing this event is astronomical. They had food vendors, beer and bands, smores by the campfire and much more. The company that puts on the event is Epic Rides which manages about 10 races throughout the country during the year. It’s cool that they pick our community to host one of their most popular events. 

Epic Rides is awesome but they could not do it without the cooperation and volunteerism from our community. During the riders’ meeting, they stated that there were some 200 plus volunteers from several different organizations -- the most significant being TRACKS, the group that maintains our trail system. I could not do it justice to speak to all that the TRACKS group does. All I know is that I ride some sweet trails that are safe, well maintained and provide a variety of terrain and distances. Other volunteer groups included the White Mountain Nature Center, City of Pinetop-Lakeside, Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, Navajo County, Summit Medical Center and the Pinetop Lakes Association Activity Center and Stables (PLAAC&S). Couldn’t even begin to mention (because I don’t know all of them) individual people that donated their time to make this event such a success for the Community. If I didn’t mention you, I am sorry, thank you for being you and supporting the event. Props to all the groups and volunteers that supported the event. 

The riders come from all over the country and in all different sizes, shapes, ages and abilities. Arizona was well represented with entrants from all over the state. Even some spots in Arizona that I was not aware of. Did you know there is a Vail, AZ? I didn’t. It’s a community near Tucson. Shout out to the Tucson riders which comprised the biggest number of Arizona entrants. I don’t really know how many States were represented, don’t have that much energy to figure it out but I can say that there was at least one rider from Alaska and one from Michigan. Pretty cool that we can attract riders from that far away to our amazing home. Colorado and New Mexico were also well represented. Just think, riders coming from those two beautiful states to ride here! I’m humbled. 

Yes, I rode this year. In the 50-mile single track. All I can tell you is that it was the scariest, longest, nerve racking, intense, tiring, fun, fast, crazy, cool, rough, smooth, up, down, painful, relaxing, exhausting, exhilarating, cramping, sweating best time you could have on 2 wheels. Why do I/we do it? Because it is a blast! It’s a great way to stay in shape and it gives us a sense of freedom. There are so many things that we can’t control in life and riding the trails is one thing that maybe we can. The biggest rush is the moment that we think we are in control but we really aren’t.  

Mountain biking is becoming extremely popular and the increased participation in this event and mountain bike races all over the country is the evidence. Get on YouTube and search mountain biking, Red Bull Mountain Biking, Downhill and Cross Country and you will get a feeling of just how expansive the sport is. Guess what -- it’s fun for the whole family! Get your kids in to pedaling and they won’t want to sit in front of their screens (at least for not as long). Once you’re into it, commit! It will change your life! Oh, and by the way, don’t buy your bike from the big box stores, buy local. CycleMania here in Show Low is the place to go. They not only have competitive pricing but their service and knowledge is second to none. I bought my bike from them -- they service my bike; they got me race ready and I won’t go anywhere else. Just trying to save you some time, frustration and a few bucks. 

Finally, White Mountain Riders, we made up less than 2% of the field. This I know because I counted. I know there are more of us out there (ok, ok some of you volunteered and thank you) but next year, let’s see if we can make up 2.5%. See you on the trails.