Rain-soaked trails
and 17,000 feet of climbing welcomed riders to the inaugural
Durango MTB 100 held last Saturday in conjunction with
the NORBA finals. Pro and amateur riders competed on
the 100-mile race, which followed singletrack, doubletrack
and four-wheel drive roads through some of the most
jaw-dropping scenery in the San Juans. The inclement
weather, coupled with the sheer challenge of the course,
tested even the hardiest of riders, with only 15 of
the 70-some participants crossing the finish line. Pro
rider Bart Bowen, of Albuquerque, finished first, completing
the course in 9 hours and 11 minutes. Katherine Zambrana,
of Steamboat Springs, won the pro women’s category
in 11 hours and 58 minutes, edging out fellow female
rider Shannon Tupa, of Boulder, by one minute.
