13th Annual Escalante Days Mountain Bike Race

Riders hit the dusty trail at Boggy Draw

(AUG. 13, 2011) DOLORES, Colo—

Dolores, Colorado: it’s the kind of place where horseback is still a preferred method for getting around town. Where the local brewery is the social centerpiece, where hippies, ranchers, miners, and mountain people all coexist beneath one cozy roof. And given the town’s general proximity to deep desert and deep alpine, one might consider Dolores, Colorado to be one of the groovier small towns in this fair state.

Adding to the charm of this quaint southwestern community is a network of trails known affectionately and officially as Boggy Draw. Situated just 3 miles north town, Boggy has become an increasingly popular destination for two-wheeled pursuits. Trails weave throughout a massive old growth ponderosa forest, dipping into ancient canyons, and winding through grassy meadows, before finally spitting you out back at the car. With great camping, all-abilities riding, and of course miles of fast, buttery dirt, Boggy Draw is well worth a visit.  Not to mention, it's a perfect locale for a good old-fashioned bicycle race.

 The 13^th Annual Escalante Days mountain bike race, an annual fundraiser for the Dolores Rotary Club, kicked off last weekend with riders participating in expert, single speed, sport, and beginner levels. Taking overall top honors (and a check for $300 bucks) was Erich McAlister, who sent the 35-mile course in 2:01:07. In tow was Kenny When, finishing second with a time of 2:05:49, and shortly there after, Durango’s 47-year old Robbie Robinette in 2:06:34.