For those of us that ride, you can’t beat this epic journey. What started 25 years ago as a running race to bring tourism to Leadville, Colorado is now this —  a 100 mile race above 10,000+ feet, starting at the former mining town, 1228 cyclists accepted via lottery, waiting for a long climb of 14,000 vertical feet. For many, it will be the most difficult race of their lives. For some, a bragging right to say they raced alongside the best in the world, including Lance Armstrong & David Weins. Some unbelievable guts to finish this race out and it makes for a great film too. I think Leadville succeeded in their marketing quest to bring more people to this quiet mining town, with the most difficult mountain race in North America.