Butte 100 This Weekend

Submitted by Bill on Thu, 08/02/2007 - 4:32pm

UPDATE: The map to the right is only the 100k course. Our 100 mile course had WAY more climbing in the last 10 miles. I will update after my surgery.

From the race promoter (click on image for map): "For a synopsis on the Butte 100 mile course, I would estimate that 95% of the course will be on Forest Service roads, the majority of which are fairly flat (<10% grade). There are several sections of road that are steep and technical, and due to the heat, smoke, and length of the course, the organizers have tried to keep these to a minimum. The course is out and back, similar to Leadville, through some very scenic areas.

Two other options are available besides the 100 mile, including a 50k and 100k out-and-back.

For aid stations, there will be two on the course: one at the 50k turnaround and one at the 100k turnaround. The 100k turnaround will also have a first-aid station and ambulance. Also, three campgrounds located along the course can be accessed for additional bathrooms and water. One of these campgrounds is Maney lake, a nice stop for those who are in it for the ride.

Weather-wise, Butte has been having some rather pleasant days: the high yesterday was 83 and the Weatherchannel forecast for Saturday is 80 and partly cloudy."

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Bill's Blog (Web Log)

Alex's Take

Submitted by Bill on Thu, 08/30/2007 - 1:50pm.

I was just sent a link of a rider in the Butte 100 and his take on the race. [click here]

hey, where did that come from? hee

Submitted by Sheepheads on Thu, 08/30/2007 - 1:56pm.

MT-Rogue

Sorry Mr Rogue

Submitted by Bill on Thu, 08/30/2007 - 2:09pm.

I forgot to mention who sent me that link. Why it was no other than my good friend the Roguester! I probably cut him off as he was headed over to the lodge to post it himself! Sorry man! I like to share!

sharing always a good thing

Submitted by Sheepheads on Thu, 08/30/2007 - 3:16pm.

sharing always a good thing amigo. that is why it came to you. MT-Rogue

Spread the Love

Submitted by Bill on Thu, 08/30/2007 - 3:22pm.

Share away, contribute and spread the good word of dirt and fat tires!

The Montana Standard Reports

Submitted by Bill on Tue, 08/07/2007 - 8:36am.

The Montana Standard did a nifty article on the Butte 100 and I am in it [read now ]. The article is as follows:

By John Grant Emeigh, of The Montana Standard - 08/05/2007
Riders complete first Butte 100
The Butte 100 was hardly as easy as riding a bicycle.

The 100-mile mountain bike race made its debut early Saturday morning with about 40 riders from Butte and around the state.

William Martin, 41, of Missoula was the first to cross the finish line in the 100-mile race with an impressive time of 7 hours, 25 minutes and 30 seconds.

The 100-mile race began about 8 a.m. at Montana Tech and wound north through the Deer Lodge National Forest. It continued for 50 miles up near Bernice, and riders returned to Butte to complete the 100 miles.

Martin, who has been mountain bike racing for about 20 years, said he was very impressed with Butte’s inaugural race.

“I thought it was going to be flat, but there was a lot of climbing and areas that required some technical riding,” Martin said.

Nineteen of the cyclists competed in the 100-mile race, while three raced in the 100-kilometer race and 18 attempted the 50 kilometer run.

Janet Axelson and Christal Smith, both Butte, were the only two women to compete in the 100-mile race and both finished the long course.

Axelson said before the race she wasn’t too worried about completing such a long run. The 49-year-old is used to going the distance.

In June, Axelson completed a solo 24-hour race and logged 204 miles. However, she admits long races take a toll on the body.

“It takes a while to recuperate after a race like that,” she said.

Race organizer Gina Evans said the race went over very well, and she said they will organize a second race next year.

The top finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories took home $500.

Brant Ness came in second in the men’s 100-mile race with a time of 7:37:15, and Alexander Lussier finished third with 7:38:54.

Reporter John Grant Emeigh may be reached via e-mail at john.emeigh@lee.net.

I Won!

Submitted by Bill on Sun, 08/05/2007 - 8:46pm.

I won the Butte 100 with a time of 7:25:30. I actually got lost so I did 103.4 miles and started cramping in the last 30 miles due to medication I am on for my infection. I pulled through but I know I can do it under 7 hours. The course was surprisingly hard with at least 5 to 6 thousand feet of climbing with 3 thousand in the last 10 miles to the top of a mountain at 50 miles. Average HR was 151 bpm, maximum 169 bpm. I averaged 14.3 mph and had a maximum speed of around 48 mph. The funnest part was a 5 mile section of trail through hilly, wooded, and boulder strewn terrain that resembled some trails I have done in New Hampshire. Good Night!

Bad Ass Wins Race!

Submitted by Pablo on Mon, 08/06/2007 - 9:22am.

Bill, You have always done well with the long distance rides so it does not surprise me you did well in this...kicked ass!...but given your health on the butt in Butte it is amazing. I was just sharing with a friend about your wins on the Vermont 50 the other day. Now one hundred! Very cool. I so hope your butt gets well soon. I wish I could have been there. Will be thinking positive thoughts for the healing and looking forward to reading more about the race. Back to my house. Peace There is much to see when you see you and your world in the process of selfpreserving - PJB

Message From Race Organizer

Submitted by Bill on Fri, 08/03/2007 - 3:47pm.

Several riders have asked whether a cyclocross bike can be used in the race or not. This response is directly from Bob Waggoner, the race director:

After thinking your request over I was reminded what kind of race I'm trying to develop which is a 100 mile mountain bike endurance race modeled after Leadville and Durango. So I'm sorry to have to say no. I hope you will still come.

And also, the course map will be posted the morning of the race. The schedule on Saturday morning, August 4th is as follows:

Pre-registration closes: 7:30
Riders meeting: 7:40
Start of race: 8:00

The race will start at the west end of Montana Tech, in the parking lot to the north of Park Street and west of Mining Museum Road.

Hope to see you there!