Sixty nine miles, over 10,000 feet of climbing, and confusion over whether to ride a road or mountain bike. Welcome to Crusher in the Tushar.
This one-of-a-kind bike race happens July 14th, 2012 in the Tushar Mountains above Beaver, Utah. The Crusher in the Tushar is the brainchild of professional cyclist, T. Burke Swindlehurst, who has been thinking for years about organizing a road/dirt mountain bike race around his hometown in Beaver, and finally made it a reality last year.
The Crusher in the Tushar is a 69-mile, point-to-point race that starts in the town of Beaver, and climbs to Eagle Point ski resort. The course will traverse equal parts dirt and pavement, with over 12,000 feet of climbing including an ascent of Utah’s highest road at an elevation of 11,500 feet. Despite being a long and brutal ride, the race will feature beautiful scenery found in the Tushar Mountains and Fishlake National Forest. About half of the climbs will be on pavement and the rest on dirt fire road. Organizers say grades average around 5% but there will be some sections of over 15%… steep!
Not only is the race challenging, but choosing which bike to ride is also causing consternation. Do you go with a mountain bike for the dirt sections? Would a road bike be better? How about a post-apocalyptic POS constructed from a 60′s era beach cruiser? It’s up to you, but the one rule is that you can’t switch bikes when the terrain changes.
According to Swindlehurst, that’s one of the reasons Crusher in the Tushar is unique. “The concept of the “Crusher” has lived in my head now for more than 10 years and I have long dreamed of the day when an event would incorporate the incredible terrain and breathtaking scenery afforded in the surrounding Tushar mountains” Swindlehurst says. “For those who know me well, it will come as no surprise that I have striven to design not only an ultra-challenging event but also one that is unique in the world of cycling.”
You can register for Crusher in the Tushar at www.athlete360.com. The race is limited to 325 riders and a $155 entry fee. Participants get an event “schwag” bag, a custom commemorative number plate and a post-event lunch and raffle at Eagle Point Resort. Prizes will be awarded to category winners and the men’s and women’s open/pro division champions will each receive a $1,000 cash prize.
Unfortunately, if you’re reading this and thinking you want to ride the Crusher in the Tushar, well, it sold out way back in February. But let this be your reminder to sign up early for next year’s event.
For more information, visit www.tusharcrusher.com