Race Report: Keegan Swenson & Alexis Skarda Take 50 Proof Backcountry Race Wins at Epic Rides Whiskey Off-Road by epic-rides

Words and Photos by Eddie Clark

Unprecedented weather in Prescott, Arizona showed up on the opening day of the 19th running of the Epic Rides Whiskey Off-Road, and unfortunately forced the cancellation of the famous Pro Fat Tire Crit on Friday evening. However, the abundant moisture also produced some of the best backcountry racing conditions seen in the event's rich history. Not to mention, prize money from the Fat Tire Crit was put forward to a hill climb prime at the start of the pro's cross country race so that the first male and female racer to reach the opening singletrack would take home a cool $1,000 each for their early race effort.

The amateur 15 mile fun ride mountain bikers benefited from an early start on Friday which saw the weather held off until they completed their ride. With cool temps and prime dirt conditions the singletrack was the story of the day for Saturday's 25 proof and 50 proof amateur races. A venue packed with top bike industry booths, dozens of vendors, flowing libations and a day of great cover bands ensured the post-ride was just as enjoyable on the historic Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott.

Race promoter Todd Sadow meets with the Pro Women to discuss options before ultimately making the tough decision to cancel the event for prudence of racer safety.

Bad weather, great attitude.

A cool start and packed fields at the start of the 25 and 50 Proof amateur races on Saturday morning.

Whiskey Row regulators keep the peace at the race start.

Multiple Hammer Nutrition aid stations around the course kept fun riders and racers well fueled for a great day on the bike.

Finisher pints to be filled with Mother Road Brewing's best offerings or Athletic Brewing's non-alcohol beers of choice.

Winner's flasks for racers cracking the top 5 in their class.

Good times rocking out with Super Hero on the courthouse square.

Red sky at night, mountain bikers delight...

Sunday morning warm-up with US national Champion Cole Paton and Ryan Standish.

Game day and game face with Cole Paton.

Details...

Kaolin Cummins with the race lead-out.

Hit Squad's Tobin Ortenblad was on the front for much of the opening miles to elevate the pace and reel in any would-be attackers for Keegan Swenson during the lead up to the $1000 hillclimb prime.

Toby Hassett went all in to claim the 1,000 dollar hillclimb prime.

Erin Osborne took the women's 1,000 dollar hillclimb prime.

Keegan said the hillclimb prime made for "a very spicy start" to the day, but it wasn't enough to keep him from quickly assuming the lead once the trail opened up.

Maxxis Factory Racing's Sean Fincham from Squamish, BC made sure to keep the leaders in sight.

Keegan and Cole lit it up on the first singletrack section.

Hannah Otto was at the front of the women's race for the entire day.

Deanna Mayles had a solid day to claim 4th in the Pro Women.

Keegan drove the pace on the climb out of Copper Basin with Cole Paton, Cameron Jones and Alex Wild holding on as the first race selection is made.

Cole Paton was able to stay with Keegan Swenson until the very last climb of the day, and then he said it was "lights out" as Keegan rode away from him.

It was a rough day for the Canadian National Champion, Andrew L'esperance as he took a dreaded DNF due to a race ending mechanical over half way into the race.