Big Mountain Enduro: Kennebec Pass, Durango, CO

By Daniel Dunn

Comparing enduro to all types of bike racing is kind of an apples to oranges situation. It’s so much fun, you’ll forget that you’re burying yourself. Uphill, downhill, timed or not, this is what you do when you go out with your buddies and push yourself hard. Enduro style racing could really be the kick in the pants you need to get fit and strong again.

The Big Mountain Enduro series, new on the scene this year, is the brainchild of Mountain States Cup-promoters, Bigfoot Productions. Their experience and expertise in hosting races was evident in the sponsor-laden finish archway, as well as an impressive mini tech expo featuring industry leaders such as Shimano, Teva, The North Face, and DT Swiss.

Enduro racing eschews pain for fun, as World Cup Cross Country racer, Jeremy Horgan Kobelski shows, “I had a great time today. This was a great race. This is why we all got into mountain biking in the first place- riding trails like this. It had a little bit of everything. It was awesome!” This statement was further exemplified in each racer that crossed the finish line. Even though they were bruised, sweating, and dirty- each one had a smile plastered on their face. Find that in a cross country race.

With big names like JHK (10 time Cross Country National Champ and XC World Cup racer), Ross Milan (former 4X National Champ, Yeti Worlds Team) and Ross Schnell (all world everything) showing up, the level of competition can be fierce, but still remaining laid back and super fun.

In the Pro mens race Ross Schnell (Trek/Sram) took home the W while Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Trek) and Mike West (Yeti) round out the top 3. In the Womens race, Crested Butte's Janae Pritchett (Alpine Ortho) pulled off the win at her first enduro while Yeti's Sarah Rawley and Durango local Alisha Gibson round out the podium

When you sit and hang out with all these folks at the after party, you’re not thinking about who’s doping, and everything that’s wrong with top tier racing. You’re thinking of who’s buying the next round.