More than 400 cyclists show off grit in 20th year of Butte 100 mountain bike race
Challenging climbs, exhilarating descents and breathtaking scenery awaited those adventurous enough to compete.
Mark Klingelhoets bikes during the Butte 100 mountain bike race near Basin Creek Reservoir in Silver Bow County on July 18.
Bikers took on a grueling course as they competed in the Butte 100 mountain bike race on Saturday.
Organizers call it one of the toughest and most rewarding mountain bike races in the country.
Anne Moser and Ian Hellman bike up a hill during the Butte 100 mountain bike race near Basin Creek Reservoir in Silver Bow County on July 18.
Challenging climbs, exhilarating descents and breathtaking scenery awaited those adventurous enough to compete.
More than 400 cyclists signed up for one of the weekend’s three races, a 100-mile race, a 50-mile race and the Sorini 25.
Now celebrating its 20th year, the Butte 100 carries on the Butte tradition in honor of Pete Sorini, who passed away from a brain tumor in 2016.
Kerry Strike bikes during the Butte 100 mountain bike race near Basin Creek Reservoir in Silver Bow County on July 18.
A Butte local and a lifelong fan of mountain biking, Sorini was involved with the Butte 100 since its inaugural race.
The Sorini 25 was created by former race director Gina Evans in his honor in 2015. The Butte 100 has been under the ownership of Stephanie Sorini, Pete Sorini’s wife, since 2016.
The race has grown from a small group of dedicated locals to an endurance event that brings out riders from across the country.
Tim Gaertner bikes up a hill during the Butte 100 mountain bike race near Basin Creek Reservoir in Silver Bow County on July 18.
Evan Miller clips his helmet back on after stopping at an aid station during the Butte 100 mountain bike race near Basin Creek Reservoir in Silver Bow County on July 18.
Aaron Young bikes during the Butte 100 mountain bike race near Basin Creek Reservoir in Silver Bow County on July 18.
Evan Miller stops at an aid station with his mom Lisa Miller there to cheer him on during the Butte 100 mountain bike race near Basin Creek Reservoir in Silver Bow County on July 18.
David Smith bikes up a hill during the Butte 100 mountain bike race near Basin Creek Reservoir in Silver Bow County on July 18.
Megan Nielsen is a photographer for the Montana Standard newspaper.