races

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The Salida Omnium

The Omnium is a three day road cycling event held every summer at the end of July. The weekend begins with a Friday night time trial, Saturday is a criterium in historic downtown Salida, and Sunday ends with a challenging road race in the foothills near “S” Mountain. What is an Omnium? An Omnium is like a stage race, but instead of cumulative time, a racer’s placing is based on his/her points earned in each stage.

Cross at the River

Cyclocross is the fastest growing cycling discipline. It combines the handling skills of a mountain bike event and the intensity of a criterium in a crowd friendly event. Typically hosted in the fall and early winter, a cross race can be held almost anywhere. Cross at the River utilizes the Buena Vista River Park and the adjacent river trails for an exciting loop. Check it out this fall.

Other Local Races

The FIBArk whitewater festival is the oldest whitewater festival in the US. Since 1949 boaters have been coming to Salida in the middle of June for paddling, music and fun. In 2009, FIBArk added a Mountain Bike Race on the newly constructed Salida Mountain Trail system behind S-Mountain. This is a grass roots mountain bike race for real riders. No wimpy rolling two track suited for skinny tires and skin suits. This event is mainly singletrack with technical climbing and fast descending. It is bound to be a classic. Check out the FIBArk website for more details.

Ever heard of the Crest Ride outside of Salida? It’s a high altitude slice of singletrack along the Continental Divide. Starting at 11,300 feet and climbing from there, it’s mainly above tree-line with views to die for. How about a ride 125 miles long with over 20,000 feet of climbing which combines the Colorado Trail, Alpine Tunnel, Canyon Creek, the Crest and Rainbow Trails. This is the Vapor Trail 125. Every September, starting at 10pm. Check it out.