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| The tricky, serpentine descent down Deer Creek Canyon |
Congratulations to the 2017 RMCC Foothills Climbfest finishers! The Foothills Climbfest is the oldest Challenge Series event on the RMCC cycling calendar. The challenging Climbfest features over 8,000 feet of climbing in 80 miles in the foothills to the west of Chatfield Reservoir. To add to the challenge, participants have only 7 hours to complete this difficult, hilly course to receive an official finishing time. For many riders, the Climbest serves as great preparation for some of the upcoming more difficult events on the RMCC calendar, such as the alluring Colorado Triple Crown. For other riders, the Climbfest is an opportunity to spend a solid training day with their riding friends. For all participants--finishers and non-finishers--it is a great workout and cruel reminder that the 2017 cycling season is here! This was the first time the RMCC has hosted this intra-club gran fondo since 2014. The event was cancelled in 2015 and 2016 due to inclement weather.
Caleb Carl posted the speediest men's time of the day with a total elapsed time of 4 hours, 42 minutes (17.02 mph) and Diane Benoit, recovering well from a nasty accident last season, posted the fastest women's time of 6 hours, 28 minutes (12.38 mph). Congratulations to both riders!! Alas, the course records of Mindy Gehrs (5:06, 15.9 mph, 2014) and Mark Lowe (4:23, 18.48 mph, 2011) remain safe for one more season.
For full results: 2017 Foothills Climbfest
Special thanks to Harris Rosenthal, Jon Sendor, and Corinne Warren for providing support for this year's participants!
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| Red rock formations in South Valley Park |
