On the morning July 16th, 2011, 179 riders from 17 states and Canada descended on the quiet community of Beaver, Utah all with one aim: To Crush the Tushars. Come see what all the fuss was about as the second running of the “Crusher” beckons…well, taunts those who dare toe the line…..
This uniquely formatted race begins in historic downtown Beaver, Utah the birthplace of famed outlaw “Butch Cassidy”and finishes at Utah’s newest ski and Summer resort, Eagle Point.
From Pro-Tour to "Bro-Tour", The Crusher takes all comers.
Featuring a nearly perfect 50/50 split between pavement, dirt fire-road and gravel sectors, it affords riders the opportunity to explore the stunning back country of Utah’s little-known Tushar Mountains and Fishlake National Forest.
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Course Profile
Starting on pavement the route heads East on Beaver Canyon Road (State Road 153) climbing gently as it parallels the ambling Beaver River.
Thomas Cooke leads the 40-49 Men's field as they blaze their way up Beaver Canyon En route to their first taste of Tushar dirt.
At mile 11 the real climbing begins as the course makes a right turn onto FR 137 where the road takes on an aggressive increase in gradient and riders encounter their first dirt sector lasting the next 21 miles. Soon thereafter the first of four generously-stocked First Endurance Aid Stations will greet riders at mile 18. The climbing continues for another 4.5 miles where the outbound portion of the course tops out at an elevation of over 10,400 ft!
Mt. Bike legend David "Tinker" Jarez leads the Pro Men's field through the 1st of 4 aid stations brimming with First Endurance products and other goodies.
Here your inner Speed-Demon will revel as you negotiate a white-knuckle, switch-backing and graveled descent with over 4,000 ft. of elevation loss which delivers riders into the picturesque Piute Valley where the pavement resumes at mile 31.
Riders begin the "Big Drop" into the picturesque Piute Valley below.
Shortly thereafter racers will enter the quaint township of Junction, The Piute County Seat where they can utilize the 2nd First Endurance Aid Station to top-off their reserves.
Bottles of First Endurance "EFS", "Liquid Shot" gel flasks and other treats greet riders along with the famously friendly volunteers.
From Junction the course heads south onto Utah Scenic Byway US-89 as it rolls for 5 miles alongside the Sevier River, a designated Blue Ribbon trout stream, and into the town of Circleville.
Bissell's Paul Mach leads a small chase group on the pavement outside of Jucntion.
This is where the route heads back onto dirt at the notorious Doc Springs Road (affectionately referred to by some of last year’s participants as the “Sarlacc Pit“) with it’s deceptive grades, ruts and loose conditions.
Doc Springs Road (police sketch)
At it’s termination 5 miles later, riders can pit-stop at the penultimate First Endurance Aid Station where a left turn back on to State Road 153 begins the leg-busting, lung searing and soul-crushing climb to the top of the Competitive Cyclist King/Queen of the Mountain.
Benjamin Blaugrund nears the Competitive Cyclist KOM with the Piute Valley some 4,000 ft. below.
Just 3 miles further the cool mountain air and ubiquitous aspens beckon along with the final First Endurance Aid station at Bentenson Flat as the route bears North where Puffer’s Lake shimmers off of your right shoulder. This signals where the dirt turns back to pavement for a final time as just under 4 excruciating miles now separate you from the finish line at the uppermost lift of Utah’s newest ski resort, Eagle Point.
Pro "roadie" Tyler Wren just 500 meters away from winning the inaugural edition of The Crusher in the Tushar!
With the final turn on to Upper Meadows Drive comes a last kick in the proverbial nuts as a truly rude kilometer delivers you to a finishing elevation just shy of 11,000 ft. above sea level.
Local legend and Hard Man Dave Harward shows the effort of Crushing the Tushars.
After crossing the finish line participants will be carried off by stretcher (just kidding!!!…sort of) and treated to a post-race lunch courtesy of the great folks at Eagle Point Resort where you can also enjoy some fine libation from Uinta Brewing and watch that other bike race happening in July on one of their big screen TV’s.
Olympic gold medalist Clara Hughes collects her check for $1,000 as the Crusher's first Pro Women's Champ.
Congratulations my friend, you’ve just Crushed the Tushars. And, yes, that pain in your legs may last a few weeks, but the bragging rights last forever!
Crusher Kaolin Cummens displaying what can be only called extreme "Stoke" after finishing his first Crusher in the Tushar!
