Leadville: Ride 5 - Sugarloaf-Power Line Loop
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Fans of the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race already know about this infamous section of the course. The Power Line cut is steep, deeply rutted, and probably the most technical section of the race. On the return trip it's a place of absolute torture, pushing more than a few racers as close as they will get to their breaking point.
When ridden solely as a descent outside the pressures of the race, however, it's downright fun. It's so much fun, in fact, that it would be one of my regular workout rides if I lived just a little closer to Leadville.
When ridden solely as a descent outside the pressures of the race, however, it's downright fun. It's so much fun, in fact, that it would be one of my regular workout rides if I lived just a little closer to Leadville.
Ride length: 13.9 miles
Ride type: loop
Riding time: 2 hours
Surface: paved road (6.4 miles); jeep road (7.5 miles)
Elevations: start/end 9,860’; max 11,145’; min 9,565’
Total climbing: gain/loss 1,750’
Aerobic level: moderate (those not acclimatized or used to climbing might find it tougher)
Technical level: 4+ (critical line selection on the descent)
Season: June through October
USGS Quadrangles: Leadville North, Homestake Reservoir, Mount Massive, Leadville South
Ride type: loop
Riding time: 2 hours
Surface: paved road (6.4 miles); jeep road (7.5 miles)
Elevations: start/end 9,860’; max 11,145’; min 9,565’
Total climbing: gain/loss 1,750’
Aerobic level: moderate (those not acclimatized or used to climbing might find it tougher)
Technical level: 4+ (critical line selection on the descent)
Season: June through October
USGS Quadrangles: Leadville North, Homestake Reservoir, Mount Massive, Leadville South