Monarch Crest Enduro Returns For 2016

The first annual Monarch Crest Enduro returns September 30 - October 1, 2016 with an even bigger appetite for Colorado's best high country riding. This three day enduro event will cover 14,000 feet of timed descending, with all five stages starting above 10,200 feet.

"Dynamic terrain with consistently rowdy and hilarious trails through Colorado high country made this one of the best races of the season," said Flynn George, Pro Men (Backcountry Lifeline). 


New additions for this year include an extended version of Stage 2 on Silver Creek to include more chunder and water crossings, free breakfast burrito and cup of coffee each morning, and event cancellation insurance built into registration.


"Fall is the most beautiful time to ride in Colorado, but with that comes the threat of wintry conditions hitting the higher elevations," said Keith Darner, owner/race director of Chocolate Bunny Productions and longtime local of Salida, Colo. "All registration have a money back guarantee built in to give racers the peace of mind to claim their spot months before the event."


The Monarch Crest Enduro is limited to 75 racers to maintain the flow and vibe of the event. "Compared to bigger events, this has a smaller, yet more rugged feel and the vibe is all about the racers. Short wait times, lots of food and beer for everyone, pro or bro, everyone gets treated the same," said Roxanne Feagen, Masters Women 40+ (Omaha, Nebraska).

Challenging transitions will be in store, especially on Day 2 with over an hour hike a bike to the start of the stage. However, racers will be rewarded with ripping singletrack descents, and buffet dinners included in race registration, Thursday - Sunday evenings.


"Canyon Creek is a long, demoralizing climb that ends in an hour hike-a-bike. For me, it is a trail whose climb makes me question what I am doing and whose descent reminds me of why I ride. It's remote, it's beautiful, and the stage begins on top of a mountain at 12,600 feet," said Tara Reddinger-Adams, Amateur Women 19-39 (Woodbury, MN). "It's a wonderfully fast that requires your full attention as you sail along the creek and through rocks and roots. It's a great ride, get out and discover it for yourself."


Starvation Creek, Greens Creek and Fooses Creek are just a few of the off-shoots of the Monarch Crest that will be raced on. All courses, maps and descriptions are defined in advanced on www.chocolatebunnyproductions.com.


"I pity the fool who passes up the chance to race the MCE. Not only do you get to experience THE quintessential epic singltrack descents in all time conditions, but you get to do it fully supported, with Keith Darner making you trailside bacon," said Leigh Bowe, Pro Women (Juliana).

Registration is now live on www.imathlete.com. Pros are in for $525, vying for a piece of the $4400 Pro Purse. Amateur registration is $475 and includes start position in all five stages, buffet dinner each night, breakfast burrito and coffee each race morning, event schwag, four shuttle rides to the Continental Divide, all the beer you can drink and bacon you can eat.


For more details on registration, and the cancellation, refund and transfer policies designed to make signing up a breeze, visit chocolatebunnyproductions.com. For more information, contact keith@chocolatebunnyproductions.com or 719-221-1251.

All photos and captions courtesy of Seth Beckton. Check out @SethBeckton on Instagram.

About Chocolate Bunny Productions
Based out of Durango, Colo., Chocolate Bunny Productions stems from over 30 years in the mountain bike industry, and 15 years in race promotion. Chocolate Bunny Productions’ mission is to create events that are both fun and memorable. For a full list of credentials visit www.chocolatebunnyproductions.com.