John Bowers
John Bowers
 on 09/17/2019

Despite the quick burst of snow this week, we are still on a singletrack mind. The 5th stop of the Montana Enduro Series comes to Jackson Hole this Saturday, September 21st. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) will host 150 riders from across the country with their bikes locked and loaded for one of the most exciting races of the series. With a completely redesigned course and more vertical feet than some riders have ever ridden in a single day, The Rendezvous Enduro is shaping up to be one for the record books. 

A different kind of powder pursuit. PC Jay Goodrich

New for this year and for the first time ever, JHMR will allow mountain bikes on the tram for a sanctioned race. Racers will load the tram at 7:30 am on race day and take the trip to 10,450 feet. From the summit, a network of hiking trails briefly turned to singletrack trails will navigate bikers 9.8 miles (6,924 feet) downhill and 4.5 miles (2,730 feet) uphill over 4 leg-burning stages. The full course map and stage breakdown will drop Thursday night. 

Click photo to enlarge.

The redesigned course is guaranteed to test the skills of even the pro division. Loose rock and big drops on the Rock Springs trail will raddle racers on Stage 1 before a short transfer to the top of Sublette Lift. Stage 2 crosses Ten Sleep Bowl and the exposed Cirque before descending the Headwall to the top of the Bridger Gondola. From the gondi racers tackle tight switchbacks and fast straightaways on the entire descent of the Wildflower Trail in Stage 3. After nearly 5,000 feet of downhill racing, the longest transfer stage of the day climbs to the top of Sweetwater Gondola. The final stage, Stage 4, is made up of the existing Solitoga and Bronco trails leading to the finish line at the base. Course variations are planned should inclement weather occur.

4,150 feet of downhill gold.

Registration is currently full for the race but spectators are encouraged to come out, ride the tram or gondola, cheer on the competitors and watch the race. Stay tuned for race results and photos on Saturday afternoon. See you on the trail.