Steel City Enduro, Ready to Rip July 14th

The Steel City Enduro, presented by Specialized, rolls into Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley on July 14. The race, formerly called EnduroRama, is open to riders of all disciplines and will test competitors on the region’s rocky, rolling trails.

The event, in its second year, puts an East Coast spin on the popular enduro format. Like similar events in the Rockies and Alps, the Steel City Enduro features a series of five mostly downhill timed stages—each about a mile long—that dip and weave along the most thrilling sections of the course. Between those stages are neutralized, non-timed transfer stages that allow riders to pedal easily and regroup with friends.

Last year, New Jersey native Jeff Lenosky put in a strong effort, but was upstaged by his Giant teammate Seamus Powell. Team CF’s Selene Yeager took the women’s crown.

The trails at Salisbury Walking Purchase Park, better known as Sals, are among the finest in eastern Pennsylvania. Singletrack climbs and descends through hardwood forests that rise from the banks of the Lehigh River. Some sections, like the notorious Boulder Trail, will test competitors’ technical skills, while smoother segments will encourage them to let off their brakes and rip downhill.

The Steel City Enduro is organized by the Valley Mountain Bikers, a non-profit group dedicated to building trails and promoting mountain biking in the region. All proceeds from the event go directly toward improving local singletrack.

In addition to the race, the Steel City Enduro will feature a large prize raffle featuring gear from sponsors Specialized, Easton, Giro, Mountain Creek Bike Park, and Bear Creek Resort. All participants receive a free commemorative pint glass.

Registration for the event closes July 12, and must be done through BikeReg.com. Additional race details can be found at www.bikevmb.com/enduro2013.

Matt Miller rips through a classic East Coast rock garden at Sals.