T' was a gorgeous sunny day at 10'000 ft in Leadville, a few clouds in the sky to relieve the racers from the brilliant sun and blue skies.Overall a good day for racing, with some big rains earlier in the week and a day or two of repreve from the torrants the trail surfaces were perfect for a full day of racing.A good friend of mine "Ranger Ron" as he's known around these part (He's the long time park ranger for Cheyenne Canyon Park) Dan the dog and I packed up early Saturday morning and headed for the hills.We arrived at the Twin Lakes check point just after the lead group of racer had past. Ron has a few friends racing and this is where they suggested we cheer them on. We waited about 40 minutes and Rons Friend
Dan Durland came by a little faster than last year's time. Then maybe another 40 minutes his wife
Kara came through as we cheered her on. The most special thing about them is they are both single speeders and train in my backyard. Dan finished respectfully last year in the SS class but looks to move up a couple of spots this year. Kara on the other hand is a monster in the woman's field and currently 1st in her field of riders. She's the small frame build of a unexpecting young woman but once she on that bike watch out.There are a lot of tandems int eh race as well, coupled by both male/female and male/male riders. An interesting fact is a majority of the tandems are Ventanna built.Even Chris Carmichael took part in the fun, he finished in the mid 9 hour range last year and looks to do the same this year.Here's how the top racers finished, and I'll post more this evening with more detail on the winner and lead racers.
Leadville 100 Top Finishers
Men1. Dave Wiens - 6:58:47
2. Floyd Landis - 7:00:30
3. Mike Kloser - 7:10:24
4. Max Taam - 7:31:28
5. Jake Rubelt - 7:34:51
6. Thane Wright - 7:37:03
7. Mike Hogan - 7:37:42
8. Ryan Hamilton - 7:42:16
9. Thomas Dooley - 7:44:59
10. Adam Plummer - 7:45:26
Women
1. Gretchen Reeves - 8:05:30
2. Amanda Riley - 8:31:43
3. Keri Nelson - 8:44:21
