American Mountain Classic

Stage Race- Brian Head, UT

August 2008
By: Billy Moffett

Stage 1 – The Prologue – 6 miles

Start:  Brian Head Resort                         Finish:  Brian Head Resort

Elev Map

The American Mountain Classic will start with a 6 mile Prologue using trails in the town of Brian Head.  Unlike 2008, this year’s Prologue will count in the overall stage race standings.

This day was interesting!  My lungs had not yet acclimated to the elevation (9,500’ to 11,500’) and I started off strong!  My bike was a Kona Kula 2-9 and was converted to a single speed geared (32X16).  It was definitely a tough gear for the climbing that was in store for the next couple days.  I thought 6 miles… no problem.  The starting gun went off and we headed down hill from the resort at 9500’ and fell to approx 9200’, then the climbing back to the resort began.  When everyone switched to their granny gear, I stood up on the bike and jetted to front of the pack.  My legs and lungs felt fine!  By the top of the climb, I was about to pass out from lack of oxygen.  My lungs were hyperventilating and I turned white by the end of the lap.  Back at the finish line, I quickly got my lungs back, but felt pretty bad after such a short ride!
 

Stage 2 - The Rim – 55 miles 5,000 + feet of elevation gain

Start:  Navajo Lake                                    Finish:  Woods Ranch

 Elev Map
(will be posted soon)

With over 40 miles of single track, 30 miles on the Virgin River Rim Trail, this stage established itself as the signature stage of the American Mountain Classic.

 Another tough day!  Today started off with a paved road to gravel road climb that took us from 9300’ to 11300’ from the starting gate.  The single speed was pretty painful since my legs were definitely not awake yet! It was hot and I was starting to bonk around the 20-30 mile markers.  As we made our way around Navaho Lake we ran into a volunteer who thought we were stupid east coasters for riding single speeds, this just gave me more motivation!

I was still having a tough time with the elevation.  I would drink my whole camelback and eat tons of food, but the bonk wouldn’t go away! I finished totally fatigued.   We made it back to the resort and found out that our competitors had dropped out of the race due to the elevation!  We were in first place!

Stage 3 - The Peak – 52 miles 5,000 + feet of elevation gain

Start:  Brian Head Resort                         Finish:  Brian Head Resort

The first 5 miles of this stage takes racers from 9,500 feet to 11,000 feet, just below Brian Head Peak.  After a single track descent down Louder Ponds Trail, racers head out to the Red Desert and Tippets Valley area.  Aspen trees and flat fast fire roads are a welcome change from the opening climb. The return trip up Sidney Valley Road, Sidney Peaks Trail and a side trip to Brian Head Peak at 11,306 is spectacular but painful.  The reward comes knowing that you are at 11,306 feet, the Finish is at 9,500, and 6 miles of single track and an unbelievable view of Cedar Breaks National Monument await you.
    

Elev Map
 

Stage 3 was one to remember.

The day went well and I am finally acclimated to the elevation.  It seems that our rivals are sitting pretty far behind in time and we can cruise to a first place finish.  My race partner jets out in front and I hold on to his wheel all day.  I remembered hearing the race director say “I’ve seen it take some riders 6+ hours to get off the peak, remember to get water at the aid station.”  The first time up was no problem.  The gear was hurting, but I thought I could sustain the punishment.  The flats were a nice change of pace and we rode well until the final few miles.  The last 20 miles were no joke.  The climb hurt and when I finally got to the top of the Brian Head peak, I skipped the water station thinking we would be down quickly.  From the water station you could see the resort 2500’ below.  At mile 50 I started having dark thoughts that we were never getting off that mountain!  The last few miles sent us down a couple ski slopes that were fit for an 11” DH bike, not a 29er single speed!

We finished the day, still in 1st place. 

Stage 4 – Dark Hollow – 48 miles 6,600 feet of elevation gain

Start:  Brian Head Resort                         Finish:  Brian Head Resort

This stage features trails that are the pride of Brian Head; Dark Hollow, Louder Ponds, Scout Camp and Sidney Peaks Trail.  This is a two lap stage with 32 miles of the 48 being single track. Racers will be challenged by one of the most technical descents in Southern Utah; Dark Hollow.  Throw in 3300 feet of climbing per lap and you have the most challenging courses of the American Mountain Classic.   

Elev Map

Again, today started off with a monster climb straight out of the gate.  I changed the gear out from a 16t rear to an 18t rear due to the punishment that it was dishing out.  We got to the top of Brian Head Peak and seemed to hover above the 11,000’ for a while!  My lungs and legs felt good today, but I had no idea what was in store!  Dark Hollow trail was the most exhilarating ride of my life!  It seemed like most of the riders were walking their bikes due to the steep drop off’s around every corner.  Through the years, this trail must have been eroded and there were huge drops everywhere!  I gave away my only tube and CO2 to racers with flats.  Experience shows that running 50psi in gnarley technical decents pays off.  At the half way point I didn’t think I could go out for another lap.  I sat on the hot pavement and had a lunch break.  Suddenly, a voice with a strong accent says “you need your chain lubed, and can I get you a coke?”  I looked up and Conrad Stoltz the Xterra World Champion is lubing my chain and getting me a drink.  I will never forget the moment he said “ remember the name Squirt lube…”  and I returned “no problem”!  The fresh lube and coca cola was everything I needed to complete the second lap.  Thanks Conrad!  We cruised to the finish line with a 1st place finish at a multi-day stage race and earned every pedal stroke to get there!

- Billy -