Forget enduro, this is the Grand Climbduro

Enduro is all the rage right now in mountain biking. It seems like every week the next greatest Enduro race bike is released. But what happened to the challenge of the climb?

Enter the Grand Climbduro, which runs it’s inaugural race up Moose Mountain in Bragg Creek, Alberta this weekend. The race challenges riders of all disciplines in a strategic game of fitness, strategy and equipment choice.

The winner, and winning bike, will go from paved valley roads of Brag Creek Provincial Park, through rolling gravel roads, before hitting the technical switchbacks leading to Moose Summit. The catch? no matter what bike you ride, you have to make it back down 27km of mixed surface terrain to finish inside the cut-off time.

Along the way, there’s three different timed segments. Some favour lighter equipment, others favour a more XC type rig. But no matter what you ride, the descent makes makes sure you, and your equipment, are well rounded enough to deal with getting back down the mountain.

According to organizers, the idea behind the Grand Climbduro isn’t that grand or complicated. “Simply stated, no single type of cycling rules the roost. With so many different types of terrain and style of bikes, it comes down to a rider and a mountain.”

And, oh yeah, over $10, 000 in cash and prizing to spread among winners of the event.

Full details on the inaugural event, which runs Saturday, 18 August, including course particulars are on the Grand Climbduro website, and are absolutely worth reading. Watch the event video below, and start planning. What bike would you use? Mountain bike? Gravel bike? Road bike? And what would your race strategy be? Go for the stage win, or focus on the summit?

Event website: Climbduro.com