Breckenridge by Bike

No snow? No problem. Mike Mccormack still cruises Colorado’s backcountry in the off-season.

Mike McCormack is the founder and director of the Breck Epic, an ultra-endurance mountain bike stage race through the high-alpine backcountry of Breckenridge, CO. For more than a decade, McCormack—an outdoor industry marketing professional by day— has married environmental advocacy and mountain biking groups in an eff ort to expand wilderness protection in the region. The race raises money for local nonprofits that focus on backcountry advocacy and stewardship initiatives. McCormack invites you to spin your wheels during the second annual Breck Epic (Aug. 22-28) and check out the summer side of a great American ski town.

What makes Breck Epic different from other wilderness stage races? “One thing that sets this race apart is the use of the town of Breckenridge as a central hub. All the stages start and finish within a mile of town, and most of the stages start right in the core of the community. You can also count on 75 degrees and sunny each day— perfect weather for watching the race.”

What if you want to get out on your own? “[The mountain biking] is incredible for all ages and abilities. At he Breckenridge Welcome Center, pick up a trail map, which will lead you to dozens of diverse rides within 60 seconds of town. On the Flume trails, for example, you can put together rides ranging from two to 200 miles. You’ll see Breck’s mining industry legacy from 150 years ago—abandoned ditches used to hydraulically mine hillsides—and how that environmental devastation has been repurposed to create beautiful, healthy trails.”

Where should people stop in the morning to fuel up? “Clint’s is the place to start your day. Everything is made fresh, and when you walk in you’re overwhelmed by the scents of cooking and baking. The walls are covered with a rotating exhibit of work from local artists.”

How about a place to grab a sandwich?
“Amazing Grace, which is owned by Mona Merrill, a former pro mountain biker and one of the most heavily decorated adventure racers in the world. Everything’s organic and natural. My wife and I love to get the turkey and berry sandwich: fresh greens, sprouts, avocado, huge slices of turkey and cranberry thrown onto massive slices of bread. It’s embarrassing because it’s so big, but for refueling during a long hike or ride, it’s the perfect balance of fat, veggies and protein.”

What do you do for fun at night? “Lots of music comes through this little town. The National Repertory Orchestra is in Breckenridge all summer. They play at the Riverwalk Center, a striking, world-class arts facility in the middle of town. For a more progressive music scene, Three20South is the place to be. They get a million acts from bluegrass to folk, punk and reggae.”

Where can you cap off your evening with a top-notch meal? “This may sound like a paradox, but Empire Burger serves the best fish tacos I’ve ever had. Of course, the burgers and fries are phenomenal as well: The beef is grass-fed and ground in-house, and they cut their own potatoes to make the fries. Modis is a great option for a high-end experience. It’s American eclectic, and you can get lamb, quail and seafood that stacks up well against fare in bigger cities—but it’s very unpretentious and still classically Breck.”

BRECK EPIC www.breckepic.com

BRECKENRIDGE WELCOME CENTER 203 S Main St; 970-453-5579; www.gobreck.com

CLINT’S COFFEEHOUSE & BAKERY 131 S Main St; 970-453-2990

AMAZING GRACE 213 Lincoln Ave; 970-453-1445; www.amazinggracebreck.com

NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA 970-453-5825; www.nromusic.com

RIVERWALK CENTER 150 West Adams Ave; 970-547-3100; www.breckenridgetowncenter.com

THREE20SOUTH 320 S Main St; 970-547-5320; www.three20south.com

EMPIRE BURGER 520 S Main St; 970-453-2329; www.empireburger.com

MODIS 113 S Main St; 970-453-4330; www.modisbreck.com