While I absolutely love the Eastern Sierra and this event, Mammoth Tuffest has been the distance I’ve avoided because of its difficulty far beyond what people perceived.
Biking in the Owens Valley always goes against its stated numbers thanks to the high elevation and pumice that can suck your energy very fast.
What I had going for me was past knowledge to have the right gear set up while fortunate this was the “easiest” long route so far.
I haven’t made a racing video yet for Mammoth Tuff because I wanted to take all the scenery in, but I did set a time goal of getting back before 3pm to get some proper R & R.
This also happened to be the first year of UCI involvement bringing added attention with a number aiming to qualify for worlds though I stayed away of the fray wanting to save energy for the latter half.
Since five miles of highway downhill to start, we turned onto Antelope Springs Rd featuring a couple of short climbs, but this early section was fast and gorgeous making me wonder why this never was included before.
We connected to the familiar Owens River Rd to its regular beauty though we were treated by some extra heavenly steam rising from Hot Creek.
Even with a four mile climb on Benton Crossing Rd, high speeds were still kept only going through one of two water bottles getting to the first aid station at mile 30.
Heading east started our Chidago Canyon Rd lollipop featuring drawn out rollers until hitting the loop portion at mile 37.
The big reward was a seven mile downhill on mining roads showcasing the stunning White Mountains.
Just before the halfway point starts a 17.5 mile segment until you hit the apex with a grueling start exposed to the elements until reaching the unearthly portion of Chidago Canyon.
Returning to the first aid station, the final three miles of this stretch up Deer Springs Rd is the hardest not just for the pitch, but the washed out conditions.
Even peaking, there’s a challenge on the five mile descent having to pedal through heavy pumice when you should be conserving energy.
The final twenty one miles gradually takes you back up 1,500 feet to the village where we were lucky the afternoon wind wasn’t so heavy.
Although Mammoth Tuffest lived up to its name, the number of memorable panoramas made it worth the effort and it’s an experience all should aim for.