A bike race to remember: Mountain bike snow slalom at SSWSC Winter Carnival
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — There is nothing quite like riding a bicycle down the face of a ski hill. Add a starting gun, finish line, and slalom gates, and you have a proper spectator sport—The Johnsie Memorial Dual Slalom Bike Race.
The late Chris Johns, known affectionately as Johnsie, is a local legend and the original owner of Wheels Bike Shop, the event’s main sponsor. Johns was the event organizer for many years, but the first Winter Carnival bike race was organized by Ed Crislip, who owned Sore Saddle Cyclery, in 1991. Initially, it was for comic relief and pure fun, but as the years passed, racers returned each February determined to win. It especially got serious when other ski areas caught on and started offering cash prizes. Strategies emerged.
Homemade studded tires are a hallmark of a serious racer. It’s the only sure way to grip the terrain. A fat tire snow bike might get you down the hill, but if you want to carve turns like the pros, you’ll have to spend hours installing hundreds of screws into your tires.
Casual racers shouldn’t be intimidated or deterred by the more competitive ones; it is an accomplishment in itself to get down the entire course upright and make all the gates. The event is fun first, including racers wearing costumes and flashy outfits.
Conditions are inconsistent, and the race is challenging, so it’s really up to who can keep it together. During the 2023 event, several promising riders crashed during qualifiers, so it’s always hard to predict who will come out on top. However, Petr Hakan has made himself known as the one to beat over the past decade. Hailing from the Czech Republic, Petr travels from his home in Winter Park almost every year and wins almost as often. He’s been doing this since at least 2013. The other racer to watch is Wheels’ lead bike mechanic, Cole Wendland, who has been able to take first place in the years that Petr doesn’t show up. Cole also envisions and builds the unique chain ring trophies for the podium finishers.
It is an event that cycling enthusiasts show up for, as well as locals who love to see the carnage. Full-face helmets are encouraged. Typically, the event occurs on Friday night during the Winter Carnival weekend, but the complete schedule has yet to be released. Check for updates with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club or Steamboat Chamber websites.
Race registration occurs the hour before the event at the Howelsen Lodge; racers sign a waiver and get a number bib from the organizers there. A Winter Carnival button is required to participate and spectate.
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