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Preview: Big Mountain Enduro Durango Race

19.05.2014
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Whether you loved Raider’s Ridge from Day 2 of the 2013 Durango Big Mountain Enduro, or not, the organizers are continuing to evolve the race courses for 2014 on both days, to integrate new trails into the mix and participant feedback from last year.

Big Mountain Enduro – Durango Full Race Recap from Big Mountain Enduro on Vimeo.

Expect big changes for 2014 on both Day 1 and Day 2 (for the better!) and make sure not to miss out on this true backcountry experience in Durango on June 28-29. The mountains are high, the weather is unpredictable, even in summer, and as one of the birthplaces of mountain biking, with the first World Championships held here, you never know what old school pro will show up and crush everyone on his or her local trails. And with a huge $7,500 Pro Purse at this event alone, even greater competition will come out of the woodwork and push you on to faster speeds than you thought possible.

Just off the top of Kennebec Pass, mid scree field, Yeti rider Joey Schusler only has one speed-full throttle.
Just off the top of Kennebec Pass, mid scree field, Yeti rider Joey Schusler only has one speed-full throttle.
Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski had a fantastic summer in 2013, his first full season racing enduros, traveling and camping in his RV.
Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski had a fantastic summer in 2013, his first full season racing enduros, traveling and camping in his RV.
The Durango BME race in 2013 was all parts backcountry, no lift served riding here.
The Durango BME race in 2013 was all parts backcountry, no lift served riding here.
The remoteness and opening start climb reunited old and new friends, giving everyone lots of time to socialize on the way to top of Kennebec Pass.
The remoteness and opening start climb reunited old and new friends, giving everyone lots of time to socialize on the way to top of Kennebec Pass.
Dylan Stucki just after leaving the start gate. Stucki had his best stage result of the season in Durango.
Dylan Stucki just after leaving the start gate. Stucki had his best stage result of the season in Durango.
Krista Park picked up speed quickly, which was easy to do on the wide open terrain. But it was critical to control that speed, whereas any bobble could easily send you off the narrow trail, careening down a nasty scree field.
Krista Park picked up speed quickly, which was easy to do on the wide open terrain. But it was critical to control that speed, whereas any bobble could easily send you off the narrow trail, careening down a nasty scree field.
Nate Hills would hold things together enough for 3rd place on the weekend. Riding here on the vicious Raider's Ridge, just outside of town.
Nate Hills would hold things together enough for 3rd place on the weekend. Riding here on the vicious Raider’s Ridge, just outside of town.
The infamous Raider's Ridge. Full of square edged and off camber rocks, each one trying to hurt you. Jess Pederson riding here, overlooking Ft. Lewis College and the valley below.
The infamous Raider’s Ridge. Full of square edged and off camber rocks, each one trying to hurt you. Jess Pederson riding here, overlooking Ft. Lewis College and the valley below.

Check out our season preview here and find out more info, or to get registered, go to the BME site.

Words, Photos: Daniel Dunn

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