Ride longer, stronger, and faster!
BRUTE
SQUAD
Brute Squad
Brute Squad (BMA Riders United in Training for Endurance) is a 16-week MTB training program designed to improve the strength and endurance of its athletes in preparation for an end-of-season target race. The Brute Squad program addresses all aspects of performance necessary to help its athletes achieve peak fitness, and execute to their full potential on race day.
Ride Stronger
Ride Smarter
Ride Longer
Training Schedule
Group Workouts
Practice Races
Target Race
Group Meetings
Our Participants
The folks of Brute Squad cover a wide spectrum of age, speed, and biking experience. Some are seasoned racers who are looking to take on longer distances, or get faster at their favorite annual event. Others are completely new to endurance riding, and are looking for help preparing for their first big race, ride, or multi-day tour.
2024 Race Schedule
PRACTICE RACES
May 4: 18 Hours of Fruita
June 22: Winter Park Primal Point to Point
TBD: CU Short Track
TARGET RACE
August 3: Audi Snowmass 25/50
2024 Important Dates
April 9: Kickoff meeting
April 16: First group workout
April 20: Pie ride to Gold Hill
July 13: Fraser 50 Ride
TBD – Rocky Mountain National Park Night Ride
(dates are subject to change)
2024 Program Cost
$399*
Includes a Brute Squad kit (supplied by local sponsor Cuore), and a premium level TrainingPeaks account for the duration of the program. Does not include race entry fees.
BMA Membership required. Join BMA for $5/month or $39/year.
Missed 2024 registration but still interested? Email the Brute Squad Leadership Committee at brutes@bouldermountainbike.org.
F.A.Q.
Can I still ride for fun?
Do I have to do the target race?
Can I do a different race?
Do I have to do the practice races?
How much experience do I need?
What equipment do I need?
What if I am too slow for the group?
Am I expected to show up to every group workout?
Where will we ride?
What about the other workouts?
Are there any additional costs?
Brute Squad Committee
BRUTE Squad Committee is a group of veteran BRUTES who are focused on continuing the good work and community Scott Gurst have built over the past decade! It is a volunteer group that loves bikes, loves the BRUTE Squad, and is committed to keeping this going.
Morgan Newlon
I have eight seasons with Brute Squad and my favorite long ride is the 150 miles on the Greater Alleghany Passage (GAP). My proudest accomplishment on a bike is finishing the Fools Loop in AZ in 5 days. 277 miles doesn’t seem like a lot but riding a loaded gravel bike on a MTB-ish trail with a TON of vert = some big, hard days! So remote and so very pretty. My goals for 2024 are the Leadville 100 without stomach problems, also have fun and ride far with friends. And a few fun facts about me are that I loves gummy bears, my two giant breed dogs (St. Bernard & Great Dane), the wife and bikes! I live in Jamestown(ish) so a lot of my training rides begin with a descent and end with a climb. I was an NCAA cheerleader. My favorite things about Brute Squad are the people and community that keep me coming back every year. Plus, it works! I always end up stronger. And if you’re going to do hill repeats, you might as well do them with your friends 🙂
Adam Sher
I have ten seasons with Brute Squad and looking forward to the 11th! My favorite long ride is the annual Fraser 50 with the Brutes. My proudest bike-related accomplishment? Tough question but currently, completing the Leadville 100 MTB. My goal for 2024 is for all the Brutes to have a rewarding experience in our first year without Scott G. doing all of the leadership and coaching—it is literally taking 8 people to replace him! Apparently, I am addicted to making myself mildly to extremely uncomfortable by riding long distances on my bike, who’da thought you could get addicted to Type II Fun? My favorite thing about Brute Squad is a tie between 18 Hours of Fruita and the Fraser 50.
Scott Gurst
As the founder of Brute Squad I have all 10 seasons under my belt. My favorite long ride is White Rim in a Day, Kokopelli Trail. My proudest accomplishment on a bike is completing 18 Hours of Fruita … solo. My 2024 Goals are more fun on my bike! Things you might not have known about me? I’m 62, has a 9-year-old daughter, and I get paid for leading Simon Says games. And what do I love about Brute Squad? Long rides in beautiful places with good friends.
Deb Cantrell
I have six seasons with the Brutes. My favorite ride is any that can be turned into a bikepacking adventure! Goals for 2024? Happily balance Brute Squad training and getting ready to race, with longer & slower bikepacking adventures. Fun facts? When I don’t have to keep a day job, I want to own a bakery cart that I pull around by bike. Wouldn’t you want to be greeted by that at the trailhead when you finished a long ride? And what do I love about the Brute Squad? Enjoying time with other folks who love being on bikes.
Will Edgington
I’ve been a Brute for 8 seasons. My favorite long ride is Super Walker from the house in Longmont. My proudest accomplishment on a bike is either completing Leadville 100 or surviving hypothermia on a difficult day on the Kokopelli Trail with fellow Brutes. My 2024 goals are to earn the fitness with the Brutes and then do more fun rides – maybe even the Arizona Trail. What I love about Brute Squad is the camaraderie and the ability to complete bike events due to the group’s encouragement and example.
Josh Boyd
I have six season with the Brute Squad. My favorite long ride? There are so many long rides I’ve enjoyed but Palisade Plunge is one of my favorites right now. I’m very proud of completing the Lumberjack 100 in 10 hours. My 2024 goals are to ride bikes with cool people in interesting places. Fun fact: For Josh, Type 2 fun feels like normal fun. What I love about the Brutes is being out with people who are as committed to a goal as you are.
Rebecca Shannon
I have seven seasons with Brutes including the first 5 years. My longest ride (so far) was the Laramie Enduro at 72+ miles. Proudest moment in cycling? Completing the Breck 68 course. After 10+ hours of riding, I came across the finish line crying and smiling and so proud of myself for finishing. Yes, I was DFL, and it continues to be one of my proudest moments and highest achievements. My goals for 2024 are to use Brute Squad training to prepare for a multi-day/long-distance bike tour. Fun fact? I met my husband David on a BMA singles ride.
Brute Squad News
Sponsor the Brute Squad
Want to promote your business and support for mountain biking? Join us as a sponsor for the 2024 BMA Brute Squad.
Brutes Celebrate 10th Season in Snowmass and Leadville
Brute Squad celebrated Season 10 with two big end-of-season events this year! On August 5th, 25 members of Brute Squad lined up in Snowmass Village for the start of the Audi Snowmass 50. This was our best attended event in the 10-year history of Brute Squad, and for...
Brutes Kick off Race Season at 18 Hours of Fruita
On May 6, six 4-person relay teams and 2 solos represented BMA Brute Squad in the 18 Hours of Fruita race at Highline State Park.