After careful consideration, we’ve come to the conclusion that we would not be able to host the EME in a way that will both garner support from our local officials and still allow us to maintain our original mission of hosting Steamboat’s premier single trace race experience. Ultimately, protecting the health and safety of the racers, as well as our community members, is the most important race we are in this summer, and one we all must win!
While that might be hard to hear, there is good news! Knowing that this was always a possibility, we have been preparing for this scenario and are excited to announce the 2020 Emerald Mountain Epic, presented by Honey Stinger, Premier Virtual experience! Through our virtual experience, the event will still support two amazing local non-profits, Partners in Routt County and Routt County Riders!
While you can technically ride/run on any trails, or network of trails, that you would like, we have mapped out a few “suggested routes” for each of our available distances on Emerald Mountain. If you are determined to compare your time this year to how you’ve done on a Stinger course in the past, no problem. Feel free to set your goals and ride/run that route. Again, what matters is that you complete a course of equal or greater distance than the typical EME course. It is important to note, though, that wherever you ride, THIS IS NOT A RACE! Please respect other trail users, and use proper etiquette. These “suggested routes” are all on popular multi-directional trails, and the courses will not be closed. More than anything, we want everyone to simply enjoy time in the great outdoors, whether you set a new PR or stop to take a picture at every turn!
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WHILE ON ‘COURSE’:
We know that many of our participants will come up with their own Emerald Mountain Epic ‘course’ this year, and that some will flock to Emerald itself to log those miles. A good bit of the following information will pertain to Emerald itself, and some may serve as a more general reminder for those of you out on the trail in Anywhere, U.S.A. Please read and be informed about safety precautions for the virtual race period ahead of us!
- All participants should hit the trails with at least one partner for safety. Even if your partner is not a registered racer, it’s important to have someone looking out for you!
- There will be NO EMS services ‘on course’ on Emerald Mountain for the duration of the virtual event period 8/8-8/23. If you are on Emerald and an injury occurs which requires emergency personnel, you should dial 911. Please note that on the south side of Emerald Mountain, phone signal can be spotty at best. Have a plan with your partner on course for how you will handle a situation that may arise when you are out of phone reach.
- Carry a first aid kit with you to handle minor bumps, bruises, and the likes.
- Please observe all trail etiquette practices to their most extreme interpretation - i.e., if you’re not sure, pull over and allow others to pass. Remember that hitting the fastest time on our suggested course will NOT matter in 2020, and attempting to break speed records on Emerald at the expense of other trail users puts people at risk and is totally unnecessary. Be nice, smile, pull over, say “hi”!
