Rabbit Run and Zirkel Rain

Steamboat Springs for the Run Rabbit Run 100

Ok so here's the setup. Our buddy Taylor Brown signed up to run 100 miles through the mountains around Steamboat Springs at the Run Rabbit Run 100. That sentence still doesn't make sense to me. We're talking 101 and change miles and over 20,000 feet of climbing, starting at the base of the ski area. Taylor ran it as a Tortoise, the division that gets pacers, and Alex King volunteered to pace him for a section. Some people hear "run up a mountain at night in a storm" and think yeah that sounds fun.

And he didn't just finish. He finished a couple hours ahead of his own schedule, in the rain, after a whole night of storms rolling over the course. I think that's the most impressive thing anyone in our crew has ever done, and I'm including the time I built a trailer.

My job was support. Moral support. Hydration support, mostly for myself.

Pre-race fuel at Cypress

Before the chaos we grabbed dinner at Cypress. I went with a burger, which I think is the correct pre-race meal when you are not the one racing. Heather ordered something I have fully forgotten (sorry Heather). And Alex, the guy about to run a chunk of a 100 miler through the mountains in the dark, ordered a plain ass rotisserie chicken dinner. No sauce. No drama. Feels like that's how you know he was locked in.

They ran, we drank

Once Taylor was out on course and Alex headed off for his pacing section, Heather and I made the responsible call to stay back in town and find a bar. This is where I learned I have a much bigger drinking tolerance than I ever knew about. Not sure it counts as a skill, but it's on the resume now.

We rolled back out once Alex wrapped up his section. I got a few good photos at the event too. Headlamps in the dark, soaked runners, crews standing around in the rain pretending they're not cold. Ultra culture is unhinged in the best way.

Camping north of Clark in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness

From Steamboat we headed north past Clark toward the Mount Zirkel Wilderness to set up camp. The aspens were half turned, that patchy green and gold stage where every hillside looks like it can't commit.

Then it rained. A lot. Honestly no complaints here. Colorado has been dry and we need every drop, even when it's landing on my tent at 2am.

Dutch oven cowboy stew in the cold rain

Cold, rainy and raw is exactly the weather a Dutch oven was built for. We made cowboy stew over the coals and it was incredible, the kind of hot meal that resets your whole attitude after a wet day. I think the Dutch oven is the most underrated piece of gear in any overland camp kitchen. The problem is most people treat it like a novelty. Standing around a steaming pot while the rain keeps coming is the whole reason we do this.

The Clark Store and the back roads

A short ways from camp is the Clark Store, a cute little general store that makes a great pit stop for snacks and a break from the weather. The drive out there is the real payoff though. Winding roads, farmland in every direction and rural mountain views that make you want to pull over every half mile. If you're planning fall camping near Steamboat, this stretch north of town is where I'd send you.

Brunch at Winona's and the sugar fries incident

We headed back into town for brunch at Winona's. Turkey reuben and fries, excellent all around.

Now for the part I'd rather leave out. A day earlier at brunch, Alex caught me in a gullible state and convinced me to put sugar on my fries instead of salt. I did it. Without hesitation. I will never live this down and I've made peace with the fact that this is my legacy now.

Back to Denver

We wandered downtown Steamboat for a bit, then pointed it back toward Denver. Quick trip, full weekend. Taylor ran 100 miles and beat his own plan by hours, Alex ran a chunk of it with him and I discovered a hidden tolerance plus a sugar fries problem. Everyone grew as a person.