The event starts at 5:30 am the 3rd Saturday of July from the Athletic Club of Bend and traverses iconic trails such as the Metolius Windigo, Tylers Traverse, Tiddlywinks and many more. Nonstop is what most describe this event with only a few sustained climbs and elevation starting at 3500 ft and topping out between 6000 and 7000 ft.
Advice to the novices? "Keys to doing well include staying inside the trail tread and not drifting into the soft outer edge which will cause uncontrollable issues", says Mike Ripley, the event organizer.
Besides great trails maintained by legendary mountain bike advocacy group COTA (Central Oregon Trail Alliance) Bend features the most breweries in the nation per capita, with post event refreshments proudly served by Deschutes Brewery.
Extreme for some with a finisher rate of 85% makes this attainable for riders who prepare well. In addition, this event has 50+ women who attend each year and has had a 14-year-old and 63-year-old finish within the time cut off. So bring the family and ride around a volcano at the High Cascades 100!
For more information on schedule, map course and other info visit www.highcascades100.com. MNike will anticipate the event nearing capacity by March/April to early May so if you want to register, e-mail him in the last 4 weeks prior to the event at mike@mudslingerevents.com.
Photos: © Alan Brandt Photography
Source: http://www.highcascades100.com
