Biggest Abajo Enduro to date draws almost 50 riders to Monticello

Almost 50 riders hit the Abajo Mountains over the weekend for the sixth annual Abajo Enduro.

For the second straight year, the grueling event consisted of two days and three stages of racing, and was the biggest event to date.

ROAM Industry owner and race organizer Dustin Randall reported that out of 50 registered riders, 11 were Abajo Enduro veterans.

Riders came from numerous Utah locations: Moab, Salt Lake City, St. George, and Ephraim, and also from as far as Arizona, Colorado, and California.

Randall said, “The goal of [the Abajo Enduro] was always to not only showcase the trails in the Abajos, but also bring people to Monticello.

“In that spirit, we’ve strived to make this an enduro that anyone can enjoy, from first-time enduro riders to seasoned racers, while still keeping some fun competition.”

Randall said ROAM also strives to make the annual race family-friendly by providing accessible spectator areas and promoting activities for families to do in and around Monticello.

As it has every year, the Abajo Enduro continues to garner positive reviews. After the race this year, a rider said, “If you like raw, old-school enduro on rad trails...put this one on your list for next year…a very competitive field, but a relaxed and fun vibe.”

Alex Petitdemange of Sedona, AZ was the overall champion. He completed the series in a time of 43:01, 29 seconds ahead of 2018 champion Sam Shryack of Moab.

Tim DaCosta of Grand Junction, CO finished in third place with a time of 44:17.

The top female finishers were Gina Jané of Sedona, Corie Spruill of Moab, and Anna Sprout of Moab, with times of 57:00, 60:39, and 61:15 respectively.

ROAM expressed thanks to the many local volunteers who helped make the 2019 Abajo Enduro possible, including generous sponsors: Utah.com, Main Street Drug & Boutique, Peace Tree, Doug’s Steak & BBQ, Moab Gear Trader, Desert Rivers Credit Union, and Mountain West Advisors.

Randall said the award ceremony and raffle is always a highlight of the event, and this year the catering was a generous spread from the Peace Tree that featured various wraps and smoothies.

He reported that the raffle prompted around $2,000 in local spending from racers who participated.

ROAM wished to thank raffle sponsors and other supporters: Redd’s Ace Hardware, the Canyon Country Discovery Center, Wild Expeditions, Smith Optics, Moab Cyclery, Poison Spider, Chile Pepper, Moab Gear Trader, and Osprey Packs.