The altitude is the biggest obstacle racers must endure. With a starting elevation of 10,200 feet, riders accent 2,400 feet to an altitude of 12,600 feet. The course itself, which is 100 miles of mostly dirt roads, is not extremely technical, though the long climbs and punishing descents that require focus and strength are what make this race so difficult.

Surviving Leadville 100 requires more than brute determination, it requires a solid training plan that prepares you for the challenges of the course. Mountain bikers considering doing this race should spend as much time on your mountain bike as possible, do long dirt road rides, including steep hill repeats, practice nutrition every time you ride, build upper body strength, and acclimate your body to the altitude by arriving early to the race or scheduling high mountain bike trips.

Once you do Leadville 100 for the first time, you're hooked and most likely will return to Leadville to race again. The 2008 Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race is scheduled for Saturday, August 09, 2008, and registration opens January 2, 2008. Visit www.leadvilletrail100.com.

View photos from the 2008 Leadville 100.