Amazing to think that mountain bike race season has already started. Coming up on March 26th, is the True GRIT mountain bike race in St. George, Utah. Thisis the first year for True GRIT, and it’s described as an epic race that requires “fortitude, determination, guts, moxie, backbone, gumption, and strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage.” Sounds like some people’s idea of fun.
Depending on that moxie, you have two choices to complete the True GRIT race: Epic or Challenge. Epic is just as it sounds – 50 miles over the toughest desert terrain southern Utah can dish out. As if that’s not enough, riders have to complete the course in under nine hours. Challenge is a bit easier, but still can’t be taken lightly as it also promises to be a tough and technical race on 26 miles, which must be completed in nine hours or less.
According to race organizers, the Epic Course travels through 3 riding areas in St George, Red Bluff, Curly Hollow, and the Bommer Hill area of the Santa Clara River Reserve all linked together. The Challenge Course is about half the length of the Epic Course, but organizers say it includes the toughest trails. This course resides all within the Red Bluff riding area, and includes some extra dirt roads. The course uses the Red Bluff Competitive Area, the Barrel Ride, the Zen trail, and then heads back to the Start/Finish through Green Valley.
Registration ends soon, so gitty up if you think you have what it takes. For more information, registration, and videos, and course maps, visit the True GRIT website at www.gropromotions.com