The Montana Hell Ride is Sunday, August 16th. Read more about it and register here. New for this year is the Zillastate.com $3000 cash purse. In honor of that here is the official Hell Ride Favorites List:
Ladies
*****
Emily Kipp – She’s last year’s winner and the only lady in the 8 hour club. As the race gets tougher, Kipp will be happier.
Lizzy Adams – Lizzy is the winner of the Hell Ride KOM training series and rounding into form. This would be a great feather in the cap for her pro road ambitions in 2016.
Martha Walsh – She’s a northwest endurance legend and has the course record at the Lewis and Clark 12 hour. Cat 1/2 road consistent NW crusher.
****
Cathy Chauner – 4th overall last year, super tough and experienced.
Sara Boughner– 5th overall last year, knows the deal now and I expect to see her time drop by an hour.
***
Carly Holman – New to the riding scene, but her running background makes her a wildcard. Finishing is the goal, but don’t be surprised to see her in the top 5.
Jenna Lyons – Has been crushing the running and cycling scene this year, has the fitness, just needs to put it together on race day. A finish is the goal, but could be another surprise.
Guys
*****
Orion Berryman – He’s recovering from a mid-season injury, but has the best climbing legs in Montana. He’s also an experienced road captain and will be able to navigate any road situation.
Ben Parsons – As an endurance master he has set the standard for long endurance events in Montana. If he has a weakness it’s on the road/cx bike, but knowing Spirit Bear, he’ll rise to the challenge.
Eric Greenburg – Last year’s winner knows he’ll have his hands full, but he’ll be ready.
****
Tyler Call – He’s been getting faster every year, dedicated gravel rider from Bozeman, and has the power to back it up.
Josh Tack – The most accomplished Montana road guy in the field. He can go crazy long and will be amazing with any tactical situation.
Marshall Opel – The young gun (at least in this race) was on fire last year with a strong 2nd place despite two flats.
Kiefer Hahn – Add 12 hours of Lolo to his palmares and now he’s ready to improve upon his 3rd place last year.
Toby Meierbachtol – He’s been on the ice for a month, but I don’t care. He is so good on the cx bike.
Brendan Halpin – Old dog, same power. He’s been on the road traveling, but we all know better then to count him out.
***
Alan Adams – Always there and always fit, he’ll be ready and looking to improve on 7th from last year.
Jesse Doll – 5th last year, and just a MT hardman, especially on the cx rig.
Chas Mo – Silent assassin, surprise 6th place last year, he won’t be able to sneak up on people, but watch out!
Tyler Stein – Midwest man, solid cat 1/2 racer and looking for a win here in Montana.
Ian Mallams – The most potential in the field, he can pull for days and knows the course well. Racing the Polson Tri the day before, but that may just help his fitness.
Jesse Carnes – Like Mallams, he’s rying to pull off the Polson Tri/H Ride combo, so the legs might not be there for the win, but he’ll be top ten.
**
Peter Leclaire – He’s been riding super well this year, and has the climbing and all around skillset to do well.
Cory Kaufman – Has impressed on the Hell Ride Training series and 2014 cx, let’s see him put it together.
Graham Meng – Back from Seattle, Meng has been putting in super good miles this year and could easily sneak in the top ten.
Darrell Williams – Local, local favorite, rumor has it he’s been training on the course really hard, 8 Hour Club member.
Steve Parcell – 10th overall last year, the CO rider will be there for sure.
Tim Noonan – The master of all things bike, Noonan can never be counted out.
Russ Schneider – Russell the Muscle, can easily be top ten.
Justin Rettenmeyer – Bozeman baller, has the power for top ten.