Rocky Mountain Collegiate Cycling at Hartman Rocks Race #4

Western State College Hosts Round #4 of the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Cycling Series

(October 1-2) GUNNISON, Colo. - Made famous by the Gunnison Growler, quite possibly the hardest 64-mile race in the state of Colorado, Hartman Rocks hosted Round #4 of the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Cycling Series.  As one of the few places in the world where it is possible to mountain bike on granite slickrock, the trails and race did not disappoint.  Hosted by Western State College of Colorado, the event featured a ST, XC, DH, and an Air DH, held on the newly constructed flow track behind the campus.  

The weekend kicked off with the ST featuring a stiff climb from the start and descending back down the notorious Collarbone Alley trail featuring a half-dozen large berms that racers descended with increasing speed as each race progressed.  Sam Morrison of the University of Colorado took the win over teammate Kevin Kane.  Robbie Jones of Fort Lewis College rounded out the top three.  On the women’s side, University of Colorado again took the top two spots with Deidre York beating out Katie Sodergren.  Sodergren looked to be gaining on York on the climb each lap but York, known for her descending skills would open up the gap on the descent each lap.  Jill Behlen of the University of Wyoming was third.

Racers then flocked to the flow track across town to watch the gravity racers take on the flow track featuring several step-ups, doubles, and berms.  The track, located just behind the Western State campus, was constructed as part of a bike park project this summer.  While the course was roll-able, many racers took the opportunity to enjoy the airtime, egged on by an enthusiastic crowd.  Joey Schusler continued the string of wins by University of Colorado beating Phil Cowan of Fort Lewis College by 0.23 seconds on a 1:15 course.  Coleen Pacurarin of the Air Force Academy took the win for the women.

The XC course featured many of the same trails as the Growler and was met with rave reviews from the racers. Rebecca Gross of the University of Denver was the only non-CU winner in the A category endurance events this weekend beating out Katie Sodergren and Deidre York.  Sodergren described the course as “the perfect combination of smooth, flowy singletrack and technical parts.” 

In the men’s race, Sam Morrison of CU edged out Gunnison native Dylan Stucki of FLC in a sprint to the line.  Stucki was quick to admit home course advantage, having grown up in Gunnison and Morrison was quick to thank Brae Patten of Western State College for leading him through the technical sections on the initial part of the course, telling him after the race ‘You had all the perfect lines!’  Peter O’Donnel of CU summed up what seemed to be the common consensus among racers as “That course was sick.  Top notch.  It’s the best course of the series.”

The DH, run down the Notch and Collarbone Alley, showcased classic Hartman Rocks riding with slabby granite and sandy corners.  While short, the course served up plenty of thrills and spills for spectators and competitors alike.  Coleen Pacurarin, Air Force Academy, took her second gravity win in the Women A’s of the weekend with Diedre York of CU in second.  Joey Schusler continued his domination of the downhill with another win, beating out second place Colin Pickett of Western State College by over three seconds.  

Racing continues in Grand Junction, hosted by Mesa State College next weekend.