2nd Annual Abajo Enduro; Race to the Food.

Andy Platt

On Saturday, August 1st, mountain bike enthusiasts took to Monticello’s local mountain range for the 2nd Annual Abajo Enduro Race (website: http://theraceexperts.com/endurorace/ ). Organized by Andy Platt (husband of San Juan Record’s Merri Allyson Platt), and with the aid of fifteen sponsors from both Grand and San Juan Counties, it was, once again, a huge success!!!









Using the Monticello Welcome Center as a staging area, racers were afforded a shuttle service to the 13.3 mile start of the Robertson Pasture Trailhead; ending at the Foy Lake area. Racers endured terrain of a hard packed, dirt trail twisting and turning throughout the majestic Manti-La Sal forest. With the recent rains the mountains had been gladly receiving, no biker was spared a mud free experience. A fall here and there? No major mishaps thankfully; and I bet a good excuse was “taking time to admire the beautiful, natural plant life along the trail”.





Foy Lake on a stormy day.

The racers may have been exhausted, but the happiness on each rider’s face was beaming! On to the food tent they either continued to race, or at a leisurely speed. Peace Tree Juice Café (of Moab and Monticello) provided a well-deserved meal of five different wraps (Turkey, Club, Thai, Chicken Caesar and Veggie); plus five fruit packed smoothies (Strawberry Twist, Tango Mango, Pina Colada, Watermelon Burst and Berry Banana). The volunteer servers for this day were employees Kaitlin and Brandin; with help from their friend, Andrew….give these three a round of applauds.

Even Mountain Bikes Need a Rest.



Andrew, Brandin, Kaitlin

Brandin Serving up a Wrap

Here’s a description of each wrap to entice you to visit one of their establishments.

Club Wrap House - sliced roasted turkey, ham, bacon, avocado and spring mix with your choice of ranch or cilantro dressing on a whole wheat tortilla.
 
Turkey Wrap - Avocado, sprouts, tomato and red onion with your choice of ranch or cilantro lime dressing and spring mix on a whole wheat tortilla.

Thai Wrap Chicken, - rice noodles, tomato, cucumber, raw peanuts, chow main noodles, spring mix and Asian dressing on a whole wheat tortilla.

Chicken Caesar Wrap - Chicken, romaine, croutons, parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing on a spinach tortilla.

Veggie Wrap - Tomato, shredded carrots, cucumber, crisp lettuce, avocado on a spinach tortilla (Note: not listed on the menu, but ingredients from observation)

Chicken Caesar Wrap

Club Wrap

Thai Wrap

Turkey Wrap

Veggie Wrap

…and the Smoothies.

Strawberry Twist - Strawberry juice, pineapple sherbet, strawberries, banana.

Tango Mango - Peach mango juice, orange sherbet, peaches, banana, coconut.

Pina Colada - Pineapple juice, non-fat frozen yogurt, pineapple, coconut.

Watermelon Burst - Note: not listed on the menu, but full of watermelon goodness!

Berry Banana - Raspberry juice, non-fat frozen yogurt, raspberries, banana.

Perfect Lunch - Club Wrap and Pina Colada Smoothie

Smile, you're on Candid Camera!

Exhilarating mountain bike racing, great food, awards, and sharing the experience with family and friends; the Abajo Enduro Race has a long life ahead of it. Ride On!!!

Mary Cokenour