The single track trails in the Gray Head preserve outside of Telluride are some of the finest in the area, and there is one race that takes full advantage of them. The fourth annual Gray Head Gold Rush Cross Country Mountain Bike Race will take riders on some of the most scenic terrain available in the Telluride region next Sunday, Sept. 10, affording participants spectacular views of Mt. Wilson and the surrounding mesas while challenging them with steep ascents and descents at altitudes above 9,000 feet. The course has 1,380 feet of climbing and some blazing descents.

The course is a seven-mile loop starting at the Gray Head owners cabin on Hawn Lane. Riders quickly head up Last Dollar Road before the course turns to almost 100 percent single track as it travels through the Gray Head Preserve. The trail takes riders down a semi-technical section to Willow Creek, followed by a challenging climb up the creek and by a waterfall. The loop finishes back at the Gray Head Cabin.

The race offers three categories for participants. Those in the beginner category will complete one lap, while sport competitors ride two laps and expert pro racers take three laps.

Registration for the Gold Rush ($30) is open to the first 100 participants, with pre-registration available online, by mail or on site. Online registration, available at www.active.com, is open until Friday, Sept. 8. On site registration is available from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, and 7-8:30 a.m. on race day, Sept. 10 (with an added $5 late fee). The race begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday.

All race participants will receive a T-shirt and complimentary barbecue lunch following the race. Race bibs and T-shirts can be picked up Saturday, 5-7 p.m. at Gray Head and Sunday, 7-8:30 a.m. at the race start.

Detailed maps of the course will be available at Paragon Sports in Telluride on main street, at check-in and on site prior to the race. A raffle will be held after the race with great prizes provided by race sponsors.

To reach the race course, take Hwy. 145 west from Telluride for three miles and turn right on Last Dollar Road (heading to the airport). Go two miles and turn right on Last Dollar where it turns to a dirt road (before the airport). Go another eight miles and turn right on Hawn Lane. Follow signs to parking.

For more information on the Gold Rush, contact race director Lara Young at may@rmi.net or 708-0308.