Stan Prutz takes on Lance at Leadville 100

The Leadville Mountain Bike 100 is one of those must do races for the
serious racer. In it's 16th year, this race runs from 9,500 to 12,500 feet
elevation with about 12,000' of climbing, including a 7 mile 3000' climb to
12,500'.

This race brings out the best in mountain biking - this year Lance
Armstrong set a course record (with a flat tire the last three miles).
There were riders from 48 states and 18 countries.

You line up at 5:00AM; racing starts at 6:30AM. The first two hours this
year where rainy and cold - you could feel the sleet on your face. Toward
the top of the main climb, about half way thru the race there was more rain
- a cold and windy peak. Some sections you will definitely be pushing your
bike thru the rocks and steep grades.

Of the 1250 or so entrants that showed at the start, less than 900 finished
within the cutoff time of 12 hours. If you finished between 9 and 12
hours, you earned a silver belt buckle. If you finish in under 9 hours,
you'll earn a larger gold and silver buckle. Less than 10% of the starters
finished within 9 hours. They even give awards for consistency - huge 1000
mile belt buckles and jackets for 1100 milers and beyond, There are
several people who have raced Leadville every year for the last 16 years.

The race is professionally run - a big rally / check-in Friday morning;
pasta dinner that evening, a Saturday of racing and an awards ceremony
Sunday morning that everyone attends. They used ankle timing chips this
year. Each finisher got a large souvenir medallion placed around their
next at the finish line. The next day there were hooded sweatshirts
personalized with the riders name and finishing time. Most appreciated is
the support - there are people along the whole course encouraging everyone
they see - this race about doubles the population of Leadville - the town's
people are truly supportive of each rider.

Definitely ranks with the best available race events in this country.
Riders were limited to 1400 this year, about all the course can handle. A
lottery in January determines who gets entrance. Checkout
www.leadvilletrail100.com

I finished 10:36, about the 40th percentile. Matt Davis finished in an
incredible 8:02 with mechanical issues at that - 22nd overall.

Pic was sent seperately.

Stan Prutz, P. E.
QDS Systems, Inc.
11833 Industriplex Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
225.755.2255 x120 or 1.888.273.7483
direct: 225.706.0290
fax: 225.755.2266
email: sprutz@qdssystems.com
web: http://www.qdssystems.com
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