Leadville. Gravel and dirt above 9,200 feet. Hope Pass twice, at 12,600.
100 mi+9,944 ft-9,944 ft30 hours9,206 ft to 12,214 fttech 5/1011 stationsout and backlotteryHope Pass twiceWSER qualifierAugustGrand Slam legWSER qualifierHardrock qualifier
Gravel roads. Double-track. Dirt around Turquoise Lake. Aids include May Queen, Outward Bound, Half Pipe, Twin Lakes, Hope Pass, Winfield. Then Hope Pass itself: loose dirt and rock to about 12,600 feet. Outbound near mile 45. Inbound near mile 55, already cooked. The drop into Winfield will take the quads if you let it. The whole course sits high. Low near 9,206 feet. High near 12,214. Trail 40 percent, jeep 50, paved 10.
The Work
Oxygen transport above 10,000 feet. Hypoxic climbing. Eccentric quads on the long downhills. Get altitude time. Sustained climb blocks. Strength that protects the joints when Hope comes twice.
Kit
Carbon poles with small mud or snow baskets for Hope Pass. A breathable windproof jacket that blocks alpine wind without trapping sweat. Easy carbs you can still get down above 11,000 feet.
Race Day
Walk every step of Hope Pass. If the breathing goes shallow, the altitude bonk does not reverse. Heart rate under the aerobic line on the climbs. Run the Turquoise Lake gravel. Winfield and Twin Lakes are loud and tight on parking. Dry warm layers after the pass. Poles. Liquid fuel. Short stops.