The Captain of the Boat Race Series
Our favorite downhill bike racing series returns on select summer Sundays.
Soak up the best of summer on the downhill trails at Steamboat. Join the Captain of the Boat gravity race series every other Sunday (remaining races are August 13 and 27 and September 10) and get in on the fun and camaraderie.
New racers are invited to enjoy an intro to competitive mountain biking while more experienced racers test their skills against the best in the Boat. While this race is open to the public, all participating riders should be comfortable navigating black level terrain such as the Buckin’ Bronco trail.
“The Captain of the Boat Race Series draws a really positive community of racers,” says Steamboat bike park manager Jon Feiges. “Everyone is there to just have a really good time.”
Details
When: August 13 and 27, 2023; September 10, 2023
Time: 4:30 to 6:30pm
Meet: Steamboat Sports, 2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Register: On race day from 1–4 p.m. in person to sign waivers
Cost: $29 per race
Six Racer Categories
Groms: 13 and under, male and female groups
Funhogs: 13 and up, male and female groups, focus is on having a good time
Pro Open Division: 13 and up, male and female groups, higher-end competitive racers
Day of Race Event Schedule
2–4 p.m. check in at Steamboat Bike Shop (Race series pass holders are exempt)
4:15 p.m. Load the Steamboat Gondola
4:40 p.m. Meet at top of the race section. Race starts immediately following the meeting.
Awards
Awards will follow after the last race with prizes awarded to the top three racers in each category. Prizes include bike gear such as new pedals, handlebars, night riding lights, water bottles and goggles.
At the end of the race series season, riders who have participated in three or more races will have points tallied from all races and a season winner for each category will receive a trophy — and ultimate downhill biking bragging rights!
The Terrain + What to Expect
While there are no required technical features, the more challenging black-rated advanced trails will include tighter corners and narrower corridors with optional features. Race days typically see around 30 to 40 riders.
Race Days + Courses
August 13, 2023
Racers will ride down the lowest piece of Rawhide and Wrangler’s Gulch trails. Groms will race on Wrangler’s Gulch.
August 27, 2023
Racers flow along the blue intermediate Upper Rustler trail.
September 10, 2023
The final race in the series will be a chainless race down the Rustlers blue-rated flow trail. Riders remove their bike chains, adding to the challenge, allowing them to accelerate faster and test their braking, cornering and downhill skills without the luxury of pedaling.
What to Bring
Protective riding gear, appropriate clothing and padding and a full-face helmet are recommended. Bikes must have knobby tires and fully operational front and rear disc brakes. Bikes designed for downhill riding are highly recommended and race officials may reject bikes deemed unfit for use in this event.
