Battle the Bear Race Course

Race - May 16, 2020

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

The start/finish will take place at Pelican Point. The Pit Zone will be intimately set up for great spectating.

This fast loop around Bear Creek Lake favors those with a taste for speed, with five, short and punchy climbs and rolling, big-ring singletrack. There is about 900' of vertical per lap.

There is no neutral start, it will be category interval start-waves with full gas from the line.

Tire sealant is highly recommended! Choose wisely where to pass as goat heads are prevalent.

You may encounter other users wandering on course, so please be aware and practice good sportsmanship so we can continue this tradition.

Start the ride at Pelican Point pavilion following the Cottonwood Trail swooping through the trees, which takes you down next to Bear Creek. After a short climb up and out of the creek drainage, connect with the Mt Carbon Loop trail which offers some great views of the mountains back west and the visitors center.

Follow the Mt Carbon Loop to the outer west edge of the park, cross Bear Creek, and start to ride back east. The trail becomes super fun and fast here! The park did an absolutely fantastic job repairing a flood-damaged section by adding a flowing trail and bridges that were built through this extremely fast section.

Next, cross over Kumpfmiller Drive at Coyote Crossing and begin climbing up the North Park Trail. There is some great scenery on this climb; mountains to the west with some large, old trees, and gorgeous meadows.

The North Park Trail takes you towards West Morrison Rd on a huge open meadow. You then come to the first real climb notoriously known as Corky's Climb. It's not long but it is straight and punchy. The view of Denver's skyline and Bear Creek Lake Park is quite the reward, though!

The downhill is super fast and no brakes are needed! After the downhill, make a quick u-turn and start climbing back towards West Morrison Rd. This loops you back towards Bear Creek Lake and the second climb up Grandpa's Grunt, another short, but punchy, climb.

Continue on Mt Carbon Loop, traversing your way around to the east side of the Mt. Carbon Dam. The trail on the backside of the dam is mostly downhill with a few drainage barriers acting as small jumps. Feel free to get a little air here to put an even bigger smile on your face.

As you approach the south side of the dam, it's time to start climbing up and around Mt. Carbon. This is the longest climb but by far the best. The views are rewarding the entire way up.

Finally, after reaching the top of Mt. Carbon, begin your descent back towards Pelican Point. Currently, the bridge has not been replaced here, yet, and the early season high water conditions have existed meaning you must either wade through the rushing creek or ride even more singletrack.

Follow the trail here through trees and around Lily Pond. This unplanned section after Lily Pond heading back towards Pelican Point along Turkey Creek is awesome! It flows through the trees and along the creek on the Cowen Trail. Finally, after a short climb, the trail arrives back to Pelican Point and the finish area.