Lael Wilcox | The Kenai 250

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The Kenai 250 is a 257 mile self-supported mountain bike race in the Kenai peninsula, the only area in Alaska with a large network of singletrack trails maintained by the forest service. The race organizer, Michael Braun, stitched together a route that connects the trails with highway miles. It’s 60% singletrack and 40% pavement. The race has been going on since at least 2013. This year, with 36 starters, it’s a record setting year for participation. This will be my first time racing it. I grew up in Alaska. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to ride and race in my home state. A couple weeks ago, Rue and I went out to tour the trails-- several of which I’d never ridden. In a single day, from my bike seat, I saw a moose cooling off in a pond and both a lynx and a grizzly bear crossed my path. Alaska is still very wild. I’m really looking forward to riding through the night and experiencing this full route in one go. It would make a great multi-day tour as well.

The race sets off tomorrow (Friday, July 26) at 9am Alaska time. Follow our progress on trackleaders.com: http://trackleaders.com/kenai20
Here’s the route on Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/197868488?ref=wtd
And more information with a guide for the route on Bikepacking.com: https://bikepacking.com/routes/kenai-250/

I have a very special bike for this ride. This race is low key, but I feel like it’s a great opportunity to test out what I see as my ideal setup for endurance singletrack races (like the Arizona Trail, the Colorado Trail, the Oregon Timber Trail and the Highland 550). My riding speciality is long distance gravel and dirt, particularly climbing. I love any kind of endurance challenge and will give this race all I have.

I’ll be following up with the story after the race. The best part is, I have no idea what’s going to happen out there. Several of the competitors have raced this route multiple times. A few have signed up with the goal of finishing. All are welcome. The comradery of bikepacking is a big reason for why we’re all out there.

The men’s record for the Kenai 250 is 27 hours, 24 minutes. The women’s record is 36 hours, 32 minutes. A recommended touring pace is 7 days.

Bicycle:
2021 Specialized Epic Evo Pro

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Words: Lael Wilcox
Photos: Rugile Kaladyte