Although she’s a professional mountain bike racer who travels worldwide to compete, Moab is one of her favorite places to ride, said Syd Schulz of Taos, New Mexico.
“There’s nowhere else like it in the world, for sure,” Schulz said.
Schulz and fellow professional mountain biker Macky Franklin will teach a free mountain biking clinic at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 5, the day before the Scott Enduro Cup bike race in Moab on Saturday, May 6, starting at 7 a.m.
Anyone can sign up for the free mountain biking clinic, regardless of whether they’re racing, said Sara Valerious, communications manager for the Salt Lake City-based Mountain Sports International. Participants need to bring their bikes, water and helmets, and be prepared to spend two hours riding.
By attending the clinic, “people can get a feel for Enduro riding,” Valerious said. “We hope it will encourage people who might be on the fence about racing.”
Depending on participants’ experience, instructors may take riders slowly down one of the course’s descents, pointing out various features and techniques for shaving off time.
“We’ll play it by ear – depending on who shows up,” for the clinic, Schulz said.
Schulz, who recently returned from a professional race in Australia, will compete in Saturday’s event – the kickoff of the Enduro Cup tour.
Additional Enduro Cup races will take place in Angel Fire, New Mexico; Sun Valley, Idaho; and in Park City at Deer Valley Resort.
Enduro Cup is a staged mountain bike race, where only the downhill portions are timed. Both men and women, professionals and amateurs, participate in numerous different categories, including professional; expert (for ages 35 and older); amateur; and junior (under age 18).
Prizes will be awarded to the top five contestants in each category. Last year’s event featured approximately 200 riders. Pros take home cash prizes of $1,000, $750, $500, $150 or $100. Winners in the other three categories receive products from Scott Sports and Vittoria.
“This race in particular is a good introductory series,” Schulz said.
While Moab’s event is considered the “most beginner-friendly” on the Enduro Cup tour, the course is also great for advanced riders, Valerious said.
“It’s the best way to get your legs spinning for the season,” she said.
Spectators are welcome to watch the race, and cheer on riders at the Northern Klondike Bluffs trailhead or along the course, Valerious said.
As a major sponsor, Scott Sports representatives will be on site with all of their 2017-2018 mountain bike gear on display, Valerious said. Other vendors will include Vittoria, a company that makes “top-performance bike tires.”
Adding to the day’s festivities will be DJ-programmed music throughout the day. Raffle tickets will be available for an array of bike-related items.
Dough Broughs food truck will provide pizza for the racers, after the race.
The 26-year-old Schulz said she rides and races professionally for several different companies and a handful of other sponsors who provide gear and pay her travel expenses to the races of her choice. The Enduro sport evolved from a similar downhill bike race that originated in Europe.
Enduro Cup event offers free mountain bike clinic the day before
It’s the best way to get your legs spinning for the season.
What: 2017 Scott Enduro Cup Presented by Vittoria
When: Saturday, May 6, at 7 a.m.
Where: Northern Klondike Bluffs area
Cost: $135 for participants; Free for spectators
Information: 801-349-4616; www.endurocupmtb.com/moab-ut-may-6/
Mountain bikers can register for the race on Friday, May 5, at Chili Pepper Bike Shop, 702 S. Main St., #2, or by visiting the website: www.endurocupmtb.com/moab-ut-may-6/.
