Backed with title sponsorship by Peloton Cycles, the 3rd annual Rist Canyon Hill Climb on Saturday, June 5, 2010, saw a terrific turnout by a large number of Team Peloton-Specialized riders including Thomas Borch (1:35:21 SM35+), Bill Frielingsdorf (1:35:06 SM35+ 4), Mike Hegdal (1:32:19 SM35+), Jimi Killen (1:32:07 SM35+), Bruce Runnels (1:53:48 SM55+), Greg Scanlan (1:43:08 SM35+ 3), Rudy Schuster (1:40:04 SM35+ 4) Ric Slayden (1:36:03 SM35+), Ron Tjalkens (1:45:30 SM35+), and Mike Williams (1:30:11 SM45+).

Grinnin' before the gruelin': Team Riders (L-R) Ric Slayden, Thomas Borch, Jimi Killen, Ron Tjalkens, Rudy Schuster. Photo: Ron Tjalkens

Teammate Mark Zabel provided race support, and provided the following recap:

“I worked the corner just above Hughes Stadium, which proved to be pretty exciting.  Really fast tricky corner as you come down from the first Horsetooth dam, the road turns right to a T-intersection where riders had to make a quick left.  Three riders weren’t quick enough and rode right of the road into the little culvert there.  Two got back on their bikes to finish the race. One guy tried to ride out of it, but hit another ditch that flipped him pretty spectacularly.  He ended up with a broken collarbone and shattered elbow – ouch!  But all the Peloton-Specialized guys looked strong coming through that little chicane – I remember seeing Mike Williams, Greg Scanlan, Ric Slayden, Thomas Borch, Ron Tjalkens, Rudy Schuster!  Nice job fellas!”

Ric Slayden laying down the watts

Over 400 racers in total turned out to pit each other and themselves against the notorious 26.7 mile route that is one of the hallmarks of northern Front Range cycling which sees grades of nearly 12%.

We congratulate our teammates and other racers, and thank the race organizers, sponsors, and volunteers for continuing this landmark tradition.

Nothing like getting chased by a bear to up the cadence... and heart rate. Photo: Brian Bass

Videos below from 2009 by the Rocky Mountain Collegian and Rob Noble