For the uninitiated, the Leadville Trail 100 is a mountain bike race that conquers one of the most punishing trails across the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. This will be the third time Herbalife24 takes on “the race across the sky.”

The town of Leadville, Colorado clings on at 10,000 feet above sea level. It’s one of the highest towns in the U.S. and the Leadville Trail 100 is notoriously known as one of the toughest bike races in the country. When it comes to Leadville everything is a superlative: the highest, the steepest, the toughest…

The start line is exposed at 10,152 feet and the course climbs to 12,424 feet but altitude isn’t the only challenge for racers who know endurance is key. Winding trails across loose shale, through shadowy forest and down steep water-worn paths mean that a rider can never relax as they power though the one hundred mile out-and-back course.

Legend, and race organizer, Ken Choubler was told in 1994 by the hospital administrator at the time, that the whole idea of a Mountain Bike Race around Leadville was wild: “You’re crazy… you’ll kill someone”. For a glimpse of his passion, take a look at his 2011 ‘You’re Better Than You Think You Are‘ pep talk. The Leadville Trail 100 certainly does feel as if it’s on the edge. The riders careen along courses that look insane to anyone who doesn’t carry that certain ‘something’ that separates the best riders from the crowd.

Whatever it is that makes Leadville so special, we feel that it should be faced head on. That’s why this year Herbalife is squaring up to Leadville again and our presence is going to equal the demands of the most grueling race in the U.S. We’re bringing in specialists who have defeated Leadville time and again, and new cyclists who have heard the war stories and want to take on the mountain themselves.

Last year Herbalife24 Basecamp became known as the place to share expertise, to top-up supplies, and to prepare for the great unforgiving adventure. This year, we’re back all summer with fresh provisions and new techniques. For racers, the Herbalife24 Basecamp delivers course information, race pointers, and fueling and recovery strategies. It also offers the chance to catch up with old friends, organize ride meet-ups and test your equipment.

Nate Whitman Leadville 100 Herbalife24Nate Whitman is back in town for 2012 and will be running the Herbalife24 Base Camp from start to finish. With a decade of Leadville 100 Trail’s behind him and numerous top-10 finishes, Nate understands the course and is happy to share his valuable expertise:
“Leadville is the measuring stick that all 100 milers are put up against. I’ve got a special relationship with the race, having stumbled upon it some ten years ago and grinding my way through those early finishes, to now placing in and around the top ten. I’ve learned some valuable lessons in all of those races, and look forward to helping riders prepare for the 2012 edition.”

Leadville 100 MTB Finish Line The isolated town was once home to the notorious Doc Holliday and it sometimes feels that a wind rich in history is blowing through the streets. In our mind, the Herbalife24 Basecamp is a welcomed sight for all riders regardless of their pedigree or experience. Choosing to return to the renovated saloon we called home in 2011, we’re writing our own history and it will be the story of champions.

If you made the short list and you’re riding the Leadville Trail 100 this year then make sure you stop by.