Edge of Darkness- Bringing a bright future to the Gunnison Valley trails

GUNNISON, Colo.- Picture perfect weather and amazing trails conditions greeted competitors that took the trails of Hartman Rocks Recreation Area for Gunnison Trails’ second annual bike race celebrating the inevitable time change signaling the onset of winter.

This year’s race, dubbed the Edge of Darkness, was a 22-mile singletrack-heavy course that challenged riders through some of Hartman's best trails.

Nearly 50 racers from all over the Gunnison Valley and beyond came to enjoy the perfect fall day to help raise money for Gunnison Trails, a Colorado none profit trail advocacy organization founded in 2006, that is focused on enhancing the non-motorized, singletrack trail opportunities adjacent to the community of Gunnison, Colorado.

“The idea for this race has been to help raise funds for Gunnison Trails,” said race organizer and mountain bike legend Dave Wiens. “It is so great to see so many people come out for our community race. It really shows what people are about here.”

The race kicked off at high noon sending racers up the infamous Kill Hill. From there racers took off to far south end of the recreation area, hitting trails like Sky Line, Outback and Enchanted Forest. As the tired racers made their way up Dirty Sock, a slow technical climb leaving many gasping for air and calling out, “I sure hope your photo displays how terrible I feel!”

Shad Shrenier (High Gear) from Colorado Springs, Colo. took the front position early and strung out the pack after cresting the first climb. Shrenier was immediatly joined by Len Zanni (Honey Stinger), Brian Smith (Rock N' Roll Sports) and Mountain Flyer's editor Brina Riepe. Smith, Zanni, and Shrenier traded places at the front of the lead group until Zanni flatted out near the halfway point on the Outback Trail. Here, Smith took the lead and never looked back.

Shreinier made several impressive surges to keep Smith in site but the efforts took their toll as Riepe put on an impressive chase, overtaking Shrenier in the final miles and closing within a mere ten seconds of Smith as they started up the grueling Ridge Trail climb. Smith however was able to keep Riepe at bay finishing a strong fifty seconds ahead.

After a minor mechanical pre-race, Jenny Smith (TREK) lead the women's race with a strong time 1.50.27 over Crested Butte's Eszter Horanyi (Fuentes Design) and Laura Anderson (Alpine Orthopaedics).

The style winner of the weekend however was Paul Byers. Making his way over from Salida, Paul raced in true vintage form. His full ridged single speed made the climbs seem like ant hills and the helmet and sweater attire matched perfect. “I felt great today, besides a few foot dabs and a walk here and there. What a great day!” Said Byers.

The fun rolled on after the race with the 3rd annual Trail Bash fundraiser at the Crested Butte Brewery in Gunnison. Racers and spectators alike joined for a great afternoon of beverages and laughter. “Many thanks to the volunteers, contributors and supporters. WIthout that support, Gunnison Trails couldn’t continue to work toward the many goals and projects currently underway in the valley. Thanks!” -Gunnison Trails

For a list of complete results, please visit Gunnison Trails.

Story and photos by Devon Balet

High Noon, and they're off!	Kill Hill, no easy task.	You know it is steep when your truck has a hard time.
Jordan Carr gives a quick look back.	Taylor Schmidt of Littleton, CO rips down off of Sky Line.	The hillside of Sky Line trail was peppered with racers.
Laura Anderson gives a little smile during the race.	Carrol Quinn works the body position to keep the speed high.	Like little rocks, racers could be seen in the far distance with winter in the background.
Brian Smith leading the race up Dirty Sock.	Jeff Irwin of Crested Butte takes in a few extra deep breaths before charging the next technical section of Dirty Sock.	Jefe Branham gives it a little extra.
Ben Preston lead the single speeders from the open climb to the race finish.	Brian Riepe putting down an attach on The Ridge to try and reach Brian Smith.	Racer with no plate, making some clean moves through the rock.
Taylor Schmidt gets after the start of The Ridge climb.	Paul Byers brings the style for the weekend.	A lone rider finish out the last of the climbing. It's all down hill from here!