Race Report: 2018 Idaho Enduro Series Round 3, Sun Valley

Style points podium topper.

Riders from Idaho and the surrounding states ventured to Sun Valley, Idaho on Saturday to race the 3rd round of the Idaho Enduro Series. The smoky air from the nearby 64,000 acre Sharps Fire failed to deter the nearly 120 riders aiming for a spot on their respective podiums.

The morning started out with a ride on both a gondola and quad chair lift to the top of the mountain for the transition to Stage 1 and 2 on Warm Springs trail. Stage 2, the second half of Warm Springs Trail, taxed the arms and legs of the field with it's lengthy route. The top riders were putting in times of over 16 minutes, possibly making it the longest stage of the year. To top that off, riders still had to complete three more stages of the nearly 25 mile event.

Beginner riders raced a shorter course on Stage 3, 4, and 5. Broadway-Lupine, Mindbender, and River Run trails made for lots of twists and turns for all categories, finishing the day at River Run Plaza near the scenic Big Wood River.


Lining up at early at 8am for race day registration.


Ivan Spencer ready to ride while his family is ready to cheer.


The smoke from the nearby Blaine fire cleared a bit for race day.


Brenda Moczygemba on the first transition from the lift to Stage 1.


Why not go fast when it doesn't even count? Rider: Ryan Quale


On the second of two lifts to get to the top.


Lee Wright rounding a berm on "Lupine Trail."


Downtown Ketchum, Idaho.


Rider: Tyler Dixon


Matt Brewster riding for Gravity Sports out of McCall, Idaho.


Rider: Anthony Palmero


Don't go this way!


Owen Sebolt "Gettin' Sum" in the trees.


Lauren Goodell speeding down "River Run."


Amanda Margulies nearing the finish line.


A new trail, "Pale Rider," put to good use. Rider: Ryan Quale


Ryker Nilsson airing out one of the final berms on "Pale Rider."


A youngster looking pro. Rider: Holden Archie


Josh Mott doing his Peter Sagan impression.


Rider: Collin Collins


Rider: Colter Brehmer


Local fan favorite, Dien Toussaint.


Race organizer, Tesh Coles, sneaking out for some timed runs.


Quinn Depperschmidt riding for Sturtevants of Sun Valley.


Near the end of the day above the race expo.


Eyes on the prize. Rider: Shayli Lones


Brody Buchwalter nearly horizontal.


Just a few turns to go. Rider: Megan Carley


Riders doubling as seamstresses in preparation for podiums.


Women's Pro Podium: 3rd - Nicole Jorgenson, 1st - Megan Carley, 2nd - Ashley Lloyd


Men's Pro Podium: 2nd - Kyle Warner, 1st - Nate Sheehan, 3rd - Blake Carley

Photos by story by David Meadows. PB and IG: @dmword
Full results can be found at https://www.facebook.com/IdahoEnduroSeries/