photos by Stephen Eginoire

Mountain bike trials: not for the faint of heart. An extreme test of bicycle-handling skills, trials riding explores a world of formidable obstacles, both manmade and natural. Simply put, you ride a bike up, over and on things most people would never imagine setting tires on. For those interested in witnessing the madness for themselves, the largest trials competition in the nation will take place right here in Durango next week. Featuring top athletes competing for cash prizes, Trials from the Crypt kicks off Oct. 30 at the BMXtrack. Its free to watch, and all proceeds benefit Trails 2000.

Cliff Pinto, of Pedal The Peaks, cruises through some precarious moves. The boulders along the River Trail make for some of the best trials terrain anywhere, according to Okumura. Left to right: Trials from the Crypt event organizer, Ryder Okumura, sends a dicey, high-ball gap from boulder to boulder.