Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017

Oct 29, 2017
by Alejandro Janeta  



Roads are one of the key elements of civilization. They serve to keep people in touch, to spread culture, and to commerce goods. Deep in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, there was a vast network of roads that connected the highlands with the coast. It was created long before Spaniards, or even the Incas, arrived in Ecuador. These narrow and twisty roads were indispensable for commerce until the conquest when they were forgotten and got lost in the middle of the forest. Only in the first half of the past century, some of these roads were rediscovered by farmers that, because of the ban to produce and sell alcohol, became smugglers. After some years of use, these roads were abandoned yet again.

Enter the mountain bike.

One of the last trails of this kind, known as "culuncos", narrow tracks reminiscent of toboggans with big walls covered in moss and ferns, is now the famous Mama Rumi. The trail features 12 km of technical terrain, with big rocks and slimy roots, that drops almost 2,000 meters. It begins above 2,800 meters above sea level and it is lined by a humid montane forest that changes quickly into a subtropical forest full of big trees, moss, and critters. The trail itself is a bliss to ride, with natural jumps, berms, and steep rock gardens. Then, add some fast sections full of bumps and holes. To finish, a series of steep chutes and switchbacks crossing sugar cane and banana plantations lead to the small town of Telimbela, where you will be welcomed by a cold river and a tasty meal. Now, race it.

Because of the tight nature of the trail, the fastest riders start first. For day 1, the original Mama Rumi trail is raced and the times decide the starting order of the next day. Then, an alternate trail is used in the lower third of the route and times are added.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Beneath the clouds lies one of the best trails in Ecuador.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Diana Marggraff made easy work of the steep chutes.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Low light inside the forest.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
In between the shadows.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Andres Sotomayor flying low.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Sometimes the trail opens to beautiful landscapes.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Some places may be slippery...
Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
... while others are made of glorious loam.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Big rocks wait for those who lose their lines.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
When neon green almost becomes camouflage.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Huck it!

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Close calls.
Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Close encounters.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Stuff from ancient times.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Follow the light.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Narrow passages and tight turns.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
The forest in all his glory.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Julia Lasso gives all in the high-speed section.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Huge vistas.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
From here...
Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
...to there in a few minutes.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Trough a field of sugar cane.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
The winner, Mario Jarrin, tackles the infamous Ascensor.

Super Downhill Mama Rumi 2017
Out of a dark and small toboggan.

RESULTS

Men

1. Mario Jarrin
2. Luciano de Neufville
3. Alan Jaramillo

Women

1. Diana Marggraff
2. Julia Lasso
3. Daniela Costa

Author Info:
ajaneta avatar

Member since Aug 31, 2015
16 articles

5 Comments
  • 2 0
 I had a more than ideal number of close calls and encounters with those red painted rocks, must have been the arm pump...... . this is a bucket list race, a must do... congrats on the pics/bio.. just great...next time include photos of faces after finishing the race at day 2 so people get an idea how toasted most of us finished that weekend. Congrats to Mauricio Gaibor and all collaborators..
  • 3 0
 Jungle loam, 12 km of technical terrain, with big rocks and slimy roots, that drops almost 2,000 meters sounds like a lot of fun. Great write up and photos.
  • 2 0
 Thanks! It really is a trail that deserves more attention, a real gem!
  • 2 0
 Well done Mario the number one here. I want to see the next time to Steven a Ceballos from Colombia: he's one of the best riders there.
  • 3 0
 Need to do this Race!!!







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