The Sturdy Report: Grand Finale

Sturdy B racing and Roam events set out this season to put on the worlds first women's enduro series. For the past three years, the event had been a single race, but this year with the help of Liv Cycling the Sturdy Dirty Enduro series was born. This past Saturday ladies gathered in Big Bear, California to conquer the last stop of the triple crown series.

Photo: Chris McFarland

Photo: Chris McFarland

First and foremost, this race would not happen without the help of many fantastic volunteers, race directors, sponsors and loads of alcohol and bacon.

Photo: Chris McFarland

Photo: Chris McFarland

SoCal hero Leigh Donovan, came out to support the ladies and lead the pre-ride on Friday. Giving riders from beginners to pros advice, skills, and confidence needed to boost stoke levels over 5 stages. The Sturdy Dirty strives to create a righteous atmosphere that welcomes all levels of riders, especially potential lady shredders interested in giving this sport a try. "We created mountain bikers today," said Leigh.

Photo: Chris McFarland

Riders began the day bright and early in brisk temps of 40 degrees F. With a little help from the Snow Summit Resort, racers got to save their legs by getting lifted to the first two stages. From the top, racers were in for a rip-roaring ride down Going Green and Turtle Trails.

Photo: Chris McFarland Rider: Jennifer Johnson

The San Bernardino Mountains offered classic southern California dry, dusty, and loose conditions on flying fast tracks. There's nothing like a bunch of ladies roosting up some blown out corners. Plus, it wouldn't quite be the Sturdy Dirty without the chase...

Rider: Michelle Manke

Here racers were challenged with the delicate finesse of keeping speed while still holding traction.

Photo: Chris McFarland Rider: Andi Zolton

Photo: Chris McFarland Rider: Sarah Viggers

Two stages down, it was time to get the legs cranking. With rumors of bloody marys and mimosas at the top, these enduro ladies had a burst of motivation for climbing.

Bell Joyride Aid Station

After ripping down two fast flow trails, it was time to take on Stage 3 and the most technical terrain of the day. The downhill track Miracle Mile challenged pros and experts with chunky rock sections, tight technical corners, and wooden features.

Photo: Chris McFarland Rider: Jennifer Henricksen

Back to the top but this time the racers were in for a spooky surprise in the spirit of October. Jedis, dancing mummies, and coffins awaited at the next aid station, scheming to take their next victim with bottles of the finest Whiskey.

The Path Bike Shop Aid Station

Photo: Chris McFarland

For the last two stages, racers headed off the resort and into the San Bernardino National Forest. Throwing it back to raw hand built trails with some tough flat corners and loose technical rock piles.

Photo: Chris McFarland Rider: Sammy Stark

Photo: Chris McFarland Rider: Kalyn Benaroya

Arms pumped and berms roosted, the day was a success in the pure spirit of enduro. Now it was time to chow down, raffle, dance, and see who gets on the podium. Bottoms up!