12 Hours of Zion Recap

On September 26, Zion Ponderosa welcomed Rapid Cycling Racing and their exciting new race, 12 Hours of Zion. The race kicked off with a pre-race meeting at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning and racers lined up at 7:45 a.m. 12 Hours of Zion commenced at 8 a.m. and finished up at 8 p.m. Saturday evening. Mountain bikers spent the day racing across the spectacular cross-country mountain biking terrain of our 4,000-acre ranch resort.  While a rockslide at Zion National Park’s east entrance prohibited some racers from making it to the event, we had great registration and overall 12 Hours of Zion was a success!

The 12 Hours of Zion course was 8.1 miles across Zion Ponderosa’s varied terrain, including three miles of double track and the rest single track. The course ascended 1,112 feet and had a 1,000 foot descent. Transition areas were located at the head of the double tracks. See the course map here.

Rapid Cycling Racing uses the top notch Mylaps timing system. Two checkpoints were in place to ensure accurate timing, with neutral support available at both checkpoints. Racers can check their results directly with Rapid Cycling Racing.

Lunch was provided for all racers at Ray’s Restaurant, Zion Ponderosa’s on site dining facility. During the event, many enjoyed fun and adventurous activities such as zip lining, climbing wall, mini golf, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and swimming. Many racers also ended the evening in our hot tub under the stars. Free showers were available to the racers, and many opted to enjoy a night of camping under the stars (one night included in the registration fee) at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.

Rapid Cycling Racing and Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort are looking forward to bringing 12 Hours of Zion back again in May 2016. Watch for details on the rapidcyclingracing.com and zionponderosa.com websites and social media next spring!

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