Mountain Bike Endurance Race Draws Fans, Racers to Highline Lake State Park in Colorado
OutdoorHub 04.18.13
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is inviting everyone to the ninth annual 18 Hours of Fruita at Highline, Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4 at Highline Lake State Park. The annual, world-class mountain bike race continues to grow in popularity and attracts racers from across the country and the world to compete in a demanding test of skills and endurance.
Beginning at midnight, May 3, teams and solo riders will tackle the challenging, seven-mile loop around Highline and Mack Mesa lakes and will continue racing non-stop until 6 p.m., Saturday, May 4. The team or rider completing the most laps and has the best time is the winner.
“Highline Lake State Park is unique in western Colorado in that it provides a variety of activities, including great fishing, hiking, camping and water sports of all kinds,” said Park Manager Alan Martinez. “But we are also proud to say that it is a premier location for an excellent mountain bike race.
After the race, the mountain bike celebration continues with an extensive taco bar, including all the fixings, and special-recipe thirst quenchers.
Race fans are welcome and encouraged to witness some of the best riders in the world compete in the 18-hour race.
“It great fun for racers and for fans,” added Martinez. “There is a festival quality to the event, and everyone will enjoy meeting others who love mountain bikes.”
Spectators should enter through the east or west entrances of the park. A valid, $7.00 daily parks pass, or an annual pass is required on each vehicle entering the park.
Anyone visiting the park for boating, fishing and picnicking during the race are required to use the west park entrance. Camping at Highline Lake is not available on Friday, May 3 or Saturday, May 4, and the entire trail system, east day-use area and campground is reserved for race participants.
For more information about the race, please visit www.fruitamountainbike.com
