T.J.'s story: 4 Peaks Gran Fondo

BaseCamp athlete T.J. Morton shared his experience at the 2025 4 Peaks Gran Fondo bike race in Idaho.

This has to be one of the best run events I've ever participated in. The ride has four timed, climbing segments with a neutral. 12-mile roll out to the first one. The lead-out car plays classic rock before pulling off prior to the start. There are lots of well-stocked aid stations with friendly volunteers. I had a blast!

I went into this one with little pressure, as I'm bigger than I was in 2022, when I had a great ride here. I set a goal to ride about 93-95% of my FTP up the first two climbs and then hold on for dear life for the third, and hardest one. I could then survive the final, even if I didn't have a huge effort.

• Segment 1: Crystal Summit - 5.1 miles, 933 feet of elevation gain. I sat right at 93% of my FTP for the entire climb.

• Segment 2: Scout Mountain - 5.1 miles, 1420 feet of elevation gain. I again sat right at 93% of my FTP for the climb.

• Segment 3: Pebble Creek Ski Area - 4.1 miles, 1901 feet of elevation gain. This one, I was prepared for even though it beat me up. The first half is steep, 3.6 miles and 1300 feet, and I averaged about 55 rpm. I just didn't have the gears to turn over with any cadence. I survived and finished the climb at about 90% of my FTP.

• Segment 4: 5.92 miles, 750 feet of elevation gain. I was pretty gassed for this one, and my power dropped off. But that's okay. I finished!

There was an 11-mile, downhill roll back to town and start area. I averaged 21 mph while averaging only about 100 W. The organizers provide food at the finish. This year a volunteer baked a penne chicken cheese pasta, made fresh salad, and baked an enormous amount of dessert! It was delicious!