Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The Steamboat Springs Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series is nearly half over, with the fourth race in the eight-race series being held today at Howelsen Hill.

The Howelsen Hill Circuit race will begin at 5:30 p.m. for children and 6 p.m. for adults. The adults will race between 6.16 to 11 miles, and children will race between three-tenths of a mile to 2.2 miles.

"A circuit race means a long multilap (race)," race director Gretchen Sehler said. The age and expertise of the bicyclists will determine how many laps they do.

All of the racers, excluding children 9 years old and younger, will do a preliminary lap beginning near the horse stables, and finishing near the bottom of Robbie's Cut in Howelsen Hill Park.

"Most of our racers are repeat racers," Sehler said. "And overwhelmingly it's local. If people can set up their schedules, they'll buy a season pass."

Sehler said the top-15 racers out of every class are awarded points for their placing. When the race series is complete, there will be a winner in each class.

But Sehler said racers don't need a season pass to participate in a singular race.

"Anybody who wants to play is welcome," she said.

Racers who only compete in one of the competitions can still walk away with a feeling of satisfaction, or could even win, she said.

"You get the glory of winning a race," Sehler said.

Today's race will also offer a "Miller Lite" circuit, which will be half as long as the preliminary lap with the other competitors.

Sehler said this competition is for "anybody who wants to race but is new to mountain biking."

Sehler said she expects between 150 and 200 racers to compete today. The last Town Challenge race had 201 competitors.

The post-race party will be held at the Tap House.

Sehler said she would post the scores at the restaurant immediately after the race ends.

Wheels bicycle shop is sponsoring the race.

"We really appreciate all of our sponsors," Sehler said. "They are a part of (the series) that makes it go."

Sehler said she is grateful for the many spectators who come to watch the races.

There will be a drawing at the conclusion of the series, and the prizes will be impressive, Sehler said.

A donated Moots bicycle frame valued at close to $3,000 will be given away.

Also, two 10-10 passes donated by the Steamboat Ski Area will be raffled.

A racer can enter the raffle every time they participate in a race, Sehler said.

People interested in competing in today's race can register at the Howelsen Lodge before the race begins. Adult registration is $15, and children are $10.

-- To reach Erin Ragan call 871-4232

or e-mail intern@steamboatpilot.com