Telluride 100 2018 or, Welcome to the Family
On Saturday I competed in the fifth annual Telluride 100 endurance mountain bike race. Despite having to borrow a bike for the weekend, I had goals and expectations for the race. By the time I left town Monday afternoon, however, I had come away with much more.
Driving from Salida to Telluride Friday, I parked the van and attended the racer’s meeting Friday afternoon. Hosted by my friends Jennifer and Tobin, I was quickly reunited with several folks I’d not seen in many years; some I’d only met once before when I swept the race in 2014.
With a slide-show behind him, Tobin began the meeting with pictures of himself and his family visiting Telluride in the ’80’s. From there, he described the times he and Jennifer have spent in this magical place. Very quickly, Tobin impressed upon this group of the hard-core that this event is more than just a bike race. It’s about family. Honestly, I kinda thought the message was a bit trite. “Ya ya, we’re all one big ole happy family” I cynically thought to myself. By the time I left Telluride Monday late afternoon, my cynicism had been replaced by genuine feelings of kinship and family.
Saturday morning at 6am, the race began with a 1mile neutral roll-out behind Jennifer in the truck. Once she pulled aside, the climbing began. In fact, that first climb, Black Bear, saw us pedal over 3500′ in about five miles. It was brutal, including several points where we all had to dismount and carry our bikes.
From there, the first 40mile loop took us down highway 550, then up and over Ophir Pass, another 1600′ of climbing. Passing through the start/finish area, I dumped some of the cold/wet weather clothing I’d be carrying and set out for loop two.
Riding up and up through the Telluride ski resort, I was feeling okay, taking on plenty of water and food. Though, I could tell I was starting to slow down a bit. The bike I borrowed from Jason was performing well, except for the chain constantly dropping off the chainring on every descent. This was very frustrating and probably cost me about 30minutes on the day. But no matter, I was just happy to be out there.
At every aid station and every marshall point, the reception was the same. Some member of Tobin or Jennifer’s family would great me with a great big smile and genuine concern for my health and happiness. At one point, Tobin’s father asked me to tell his wife that he was doing okay; she was a few miles down course. Yup, feeling the love of family.
When I pulled into the Sawpit aid station, I was welcomed by smiling friends. By this point I wasn’t feeling that great and was not looking forward to the next climb that starts with two miles up 58P road at an average of 10% grade. Encouraged by my friends, I set out for miles and miles of climbing. That’t when I found my second wind. Though moving slowly, I passed about six or seven fellow racers on that two mile section alone. Heading up Last Dollar Road, I passed a few more. I was feeling good and riding well.
Passing by the final aid station, ignoring the offers of bacon and whiskey(a theme at several of the aid stations), it was mostly downhill back to town.
Feeling shattered and zombie-like, I crossed the finish line at 12hrs 21mins 49secs. Receiving smiles, hugs and congratulations from Tobin and Jennifer, I was glad to have the race completed. Within an hour, I was showered and in bed, not bothering to eat dinner.
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After breakfast Sunday morning, I helped with some of the race equipment clean-up. From there, we all made our way to the local high school for the Telluride Quilt Show. Yes, that’s right, a quilt show. Turns out Jennifer’s mother, Eileen Urbanek, is a world famous quilter. Eileen gave us all a tour of the pieces on display, educating us on the finer details(and general principles) of quilting. Honestly, it was pretty cool.
For lunch, we made our way to the Telluride Brewery. That evening, gondola rides, Thai food and a soak in the hot tub. Good living for sure.
Having decided to stay an extra day, on Monday I joined the group for a hike up to Hope Lake, a family outing. From there, a few of us took a drive to Gold King Basin, a remarkable spot up in the mountains, evidencing the rich mining history of the area. Then, more Telluride Brewery.
By the time I left town Monday late afternoon, I was exhausted. Equally, I was invigorated by the love of family I’d been shown all weekend. Tobin and Jennifer, their parents and siblings, Shirley[aka mom] and many more I either reconnected with or met for the first time. All weekend long, I felt like the arms of this great family were wrapped around me. Sometimes, they really were.
And that’s a pretty special feeling.
Huge thanks to Tobin and Jennifer, their families and the greater Telluride community for hosting such a tremendous event. Special thanks to Jason for loaning me his bike for the day. Thanks to the Ophir Pass aid station for the bacon, the head change and the laughs. Congratulations to all the competitors and thanks to those special few who helped me make it through the day. Y’all kick ass!
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