Admittedly, when I think of Niner, I’m still thinking mountain bikes instead of their new RLT 9 gravel road bike, which is probably exactly the reason they have partnered up with Crusher in the Tushar to be the official bike sponsor. Known as one of America’s toughest races, the fourth running of the Tushar aims to crush riders’ spirits with over 10,400 feet of climbing (but only 6,000 feet of descent) over a variety of road surfaces that tests both mettle and bike choice. Still not hard enough? How about a finish line sprint up a 12% grade at 10,344 feet above sea level? Split almost 50/50 between pavement and dirt, Niner’s RLT 9 with its lower bottom bracket and slacker geo is a great blend of mountain and gravel/cross bike to tackle the nearly 70 mile course according to Niner Global Marketing Manager Carla Hukee.
The race will be held on July 12, 2014, with registration opening on January 8, 2014 which will likely sell out quick.
Click through for the brutal elevation profile, and course map.
