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At the Leadville Trail

By Troy Melhus

In a film experience that could qualify as the "the next best thing to being there," several Minnesota theaters next week will screen a new documentary about the Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race.

On Oct. 22, eight Twin Cities theaters will screen the documentary "Race Across the Sky -- Leadville Trail 100" about the famous mountain bike race in western rural Colorado that annually draws thousands of bike racers from around the world each year.

The race most recently has gained acclaim since the participation of Lance Armstrong the past two years. He finished as runner-up in 2008 and won the race in 2009.

Prior to the screening, the event will also feature a prerecorded panel discussion about racing at Leadville, featuring Armstrong, six-time winner Dave Wiens, former Armstrong coach Chris Carmichael and others.

Tickets to the event are $12.50 and can be purchased online here.

More details about the event can be found at: http://www.raceacrossthesky.com/