The 13th annual Battle the Bear was a huge success last weekend at Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood, Colorado. This marked the 2nd event in the 2014 Rocky Mountain Endurance Series. Racers of all ages came out to enjoy the beautiful venue and absolutely gorgeous weather!
RME’s Presenting Sponsor, Giant Bicycles provided mechanical support as well as demo bikes, showcasing their new Anthem and Lust models. Oskar Blues Brewery offered cold brews, which was a well deserved and much appreciated reward for thirsty racers and spectators alike! Rudi’s Organic Bakery provided bread for nutbutter and Honey Stinger sandwiches at the Aid Station, along with plenty of Hammer Heed beverages, Hammer gels. All racers also received the new issue of Mountain Flyer Magazine, as well as custom apparel and other goodies!
It was great to have representation from numerous teams throughout the region, and sponsor support. We also love seeing the young riders participate in the Warrior Kids Race (10 and under), as well as all the Juniors (11-18) who race with peers, as well as help out on our Race Crew. It was quite the post-race party, as we grilled up burgers and brats, raffled off several great prizes and awarded champions in all categories.
RME Custom Jerseys were handed out to all the top ranking Leaders in the Rocky Mountain Endurance Series. They will compete again for leading position on May 17th at Indian Creek, Race #3.
Battle the Bear podium placers for 50 mile Endurance
Men Pro Open:
1st Place; Thomas Spannring of Longmont, time 2:51
2nd Place; Carter Shaver of Golden
3rd Place; Cesar Gonzales of Longmont
4th Place; Scott Tietzel of Boulder
Women Pro Open:
1st Place; Cristienne Beam Denver, time 3:56
2nd Place; KT DeSantis of Allenspark
3rd Place; Nora Richards of Boulder
4th Place; Brittany Jones of Denver
On Sunday, the event continued with the Trail Running Race for 5K, 10K and Half Marathon distances.
Lance Risi, age 45 won the Men’s Half Marathon with a time of 1:24.
AJ Wellman, age 37 came in 2nd at 1:40. And Michael O’Connor, age 48 was 3rd at 1:43
Kim Bessler, age 33 won the women’s Half Marathon at 1:57
Maia Yates, age 28 came in 2nd at 2:09.
See the awesome article and great photos from Mountain Flyer Magazine!
A great time was had by all!
Thank you for the support! – RME Team