For those who came before us

On July 8, 1996, outdoorsman Chris Allaire lost his battle against Signet Ring Colon Cancer, at the age of 43. The Public Relations Director of Solitude Ski Resort at the time of his death, Chris was instrumental in the development and expansion of this gem of the Wasatch. As plans were being laid for the first annual Cannonade Cup race in 1995, Chris began to show the symptoms of his rare genetic condition. Within days of the first planned Solitude Mountain Bike Race, Chris succumbed to the deadly disease. As a tribute to this wonderful man, former Intermountain Cup Promoter, Ed Chauner, DEDICATED THIS ANNUAL RACE TO CHRIS and we will continue to do the same.

Thank you Chris for bringing us this great event 19 years ago!

Course Description

The Chris Allaire Solitude Cup course is another I-Cup classic that hits all the marks for a great XC course. Featuring a 5.2 mile lap with approximately 800′ of climbing per lap as well as a separate short start loop that leaves from the parking lot of the Moonbeam Lodge. After this .6mile start loop to spread things out, the proper mountain biking begins with a rolling traverse and climb up the Queen Bess trail to Raptor road where things widen up again and climb to the courses high point before turning and heading into a grin-inducing descent of almost all singletrack first on Kruzer and then on Serenity, one of the best descents around. The loamy dirt and rooty sections will keep you focused and having a blast before returning to the finish where you will either cross the line, or head left for another lap.