Peaks to Prairie ... Spring has arrived in Montana

Written by Matt Hayes
Created Date: Sunday, 17 April 2011 00:00

Peaks to Prairie, a multisport relay race from Red Lodge to Billings, Montana was held on April 17. The race starts high in the Beartooth Mountains with a 9 mile run to Red Lodge, then transitions to a 43 mile bike time trial to Laurel, and ends with 22 miles of beautiful paddling on the Yellowstone River. This was the 31st edition of Peaks to Prairie and the race is known as the official start of spring in Montana. The best runners, bikers, and paddlers from central MT and northern Wyoming come to compete for some serious bragging rights for the rest of the year.

As usual, mother nature started this year's race with a snow squall. Fortunately the road wasn't too slick and in a few miles it was melted off and the sun trying to break through. A quick change to bike gear and we were off on the gradual downhill ride to Laurel. Wind is the biggest challenge on the bike leg, and conditions can range from 40 mph head winds to 40 mph tail winds, sometimes changing within a few miles. The kayak leg of the race is the longest and produces the biggest time gaps. The fastest line down the Yellowstone river changes constantly depending on water level and the results of the previous year's run off/drought conditions. Picking the best route seems to get a bit tougher after 2+ hours of hard paddling, but the last 4 miles is the most challenging section of river.

While a sub 1 hour run on pavement and a downhill road bike time trial are about the opposite of what my training has been this spring, the race is a great workout and a great event. A great BBQ and party after the race give everyone a chance to hang out and talk about the upcoming race season.