- California Enduro Series Announces 2024 Schedule - 11/19/2023
- ASHLAND MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE 2023 ā CES RACE REPORT - 10/04/2023
- China Peak Enduro 2023 ā CES Race Report - 09/04/2023
High elevation race puts the “endure” into enduro
Words by Michele Lamelin, Photos by Called To Creation
![Loose dirt and chunky rocks set the tone for the race.](https://adventuresportsjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ctc_3221_Harlow1600px-1024x682.jpg)
Loose dirt and chunky rocks set the tone for the race. Jackie Harlow made short work of the course for a 3rd place finish in Expert Women.
200 racers converged in the Sierra mountains near Huntington Lake for the seriesā second stopāthe VP EnduroFest at China Peak Mountain Resort in Lakeshore.
Running at high elevation, the event featured a course that put the āendureā into enduro, with arduous transfer climbs (no lift access!) and technically demanding timed downhill stages on chunky, dusty and loose terrain. The 7 mile course for beginners and juniors included 1500ā of climbing and 2 downhill stages, while all other categories took on 14 miles, with 3000ā of climbing and 3 challenging descents.
The three day event featured camping, meals, live music, an outdoor movie screening of Arrival, sponsor expo area, and the infamous bonus stage 4āa refreshing plunge into a nearby swimming hole.
A $5000 purse went to the pros and all winners received spectacular prizes courtesy event and series sponsors. All racers received free lift access for their next visit courtesy China Peak Mountain Resort.
Pro Women Podium
1 Amy Morrison (Mike’s Bikes)
2 Rachel Throop (GT/SRAM/Kenda/Troy Lee Designs)
3 Jackie Swider
4 Christine Hirst (Cycleworld)
5 Lauren Gregg (FOX)
Pro Men Podium
1 Jeremiah Newman (Felt/WTB)
2 Jeff Kendall-Weed (Team Ibis-Retro Cellars)
3 Jon Buckell (Incycle ODI)
4 Scott Chapin (Santa Cruz)
5 Casey Coffman (Felt/VP/Kenda/SR Suntour/Smith)
FULL RACE RESULTS
SERIES STANDINGS
SERIES SCHEDULE
Marin Bikes Mount Vision C-XM8 raffle
Proceeds benefit California Enduro Series
FOX 2015 36 fork raffle
Proceed benefit Stafford Lake Bike Park and Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz flow trail project at Soquel Demonstration State Forest
Read more about Enduro:
ENDURO:Ā Putting the Fun Back into MTB Racing
Why Enduro? Top athletes weigh in on why they love enduro
![Another excellent showing of juniors at this round of the series.](https://adventuresportsjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ctc_3437_Gallizioli1600px-1024x682.jpg)
Another excellent showing of juniors at this round of the series. Nicholas Gallizioli (Scotts Valley Cycle Sport) railed the course for the win in his category.
![Riders who excel at navigating highly technical terrain were in their element on stage 3. James Bradley charged his way to 2nd place in his category.](https://adventuresportsjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ctc_3819_Bradley1600px-1024x682.jpg)
Riders who excel at navigating highly technical terrain were in their element on stage 3. James Bradley charged his way to 2nd place in Sport Men 50+.