Overview
Run:
The start will be at Loveland Ski Area with an elevation of 10,600'. The race begins with a 5 mile sprint across a dirt trail to Bakerville 9,780'.
Bike:
The Bike Portion of the Clear Creek Challenge will have MORE DIRT, SINGLE TRACK, less pavement then last year. It is here that riders will mount their mountain bikes. The mountain bike leg will take riders from Bakerville into the historic mining town of Silver Plume along the frontage road. From Silver Plume, riders will then climb uphill on dirt to Pavilion Point, down to Guanella Pass Rd and over to the abandoned mining town of Silver Dale. From Silver Dale riders will enjoy some smooth single track along the old railroad grade into Georgetown. The course will then go across Georgetown on mostly dirt roads and link up with the infamous Silver Creek Trail for the next 7 miles of single track! Bikers will finish their leg in the town of Lawson(8,000') where the HIGH WATER whitewater section will begin.
Kayak:
This section is ONLY FOR EXPERT PADDLERS (KAYAK/CANOES/RAFTERS with solid rolls and self rescue). This leg is 12 miles of class III/IV whitewater excitement. The gradient is almost 90'/mile!!! Paddlers will be going through the towns of Lawson, Dumont and Idaho Springs. This will take the racers to the finish line located across the highway from Kermit's Restaurant and Bar. (7,200'). The total descent from start to finish is an incredible 3,400 feet.
Rafting:
This new category will consist of a team of 3. Here is how we suggest it is done: Drop the raft and bike off in the morning, head to the start line. Watch your runner begin the race, jump in the car to Bakerville and await his/her arrival. The biker takes off and the runner/paddler get into the car and head to Lawson to await the arrival of the biker. All 3 team members then get into the raft and paddle for the finish.
Awards:
Awards will be at Kermit's where live music, food and beer will be awaiting competitors and volunteers.
Volunteers:
We need safety boaters. VOLUNTEER ON SATURDAY and FREE ENTRY on SUNDAY.
Prizes:
Abasin season pass and lift tickets, Osprey Back Pack, Whitewater Safety and Research Institute Helmets, Smith Sunglasses, Paddling Equipment from Colorado Kayak Supply, Chaco Sandals, Boulder Running Company Gift Certificates, Fox Sweatshirts, Great Divide Beer, Gifts from Margies Place, Gifts From Wild Grape, Food from the Buffalo Restaurant, Food from Raven Hill Mining Company, Woody's Wood Fired Pizza, Red Ram Bar, Cliff Bar, Mountain Buzz Cafe, Happy Cooker Restaurant and many other prizes from local merchants.
For additional info please contact Bob Fries:
info@clearcreekchallenge.org