Welcome to this episode of Grit, Guts and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority on all things Leadville. Host Cole Chlouber takes us on a story-telling journey of the 38 year rich history of this race. Listen in as they provide tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville members. In today’s episode we meet Leadville 100 founder Ken Chlouber’s right hand man Carl Miller. Carl and Ken served together in the mine, as county commissioners and at the State House in Denver. Carl also had a great deal in developing the National Mining Hall of Fame and is seven time generation Leadville resident.

As the conversation begins, Carl discusses his family’s background. Carl’s maternal grandfather moved to Leadville in 1896 from Ireland to work in the mines and ended up serving three terms in the city council. After working in the mine and serving two years in the army, Carl came back to his hometown, Leadville, where he married his high school sweetheart. Ken and Carl met when Ken first came to Leadville in 1976.

Carl recalls the day Ken came to him with the idea of the Leadville 100. The idea was sparked when Governor Lamm urged them to create a new staple in Leadville’s culture to entice more people to come to the town. When Ken first presented his idea, Carl thought he was crazy, but he stood beside him for support. There weren't many participants in the first year, but the numbers increased with each passing year. There were two factors behind Ken’s idea. The first was to help out the local small business community and economy. The second was to convince people to believe in themselves and know they can do anything. He succeeded in both.

The drive behind Carl and Ken’s desire to be in the state commissioners office was to serve the Leadville community. Working with the energy committee, they took international trips together to Canada, Venezuela and more to advocate for their local energy and mining resources. Carl’s granddaughter herself is now involved in local politics. Leadville is founded on the backs of strong women, and Carl’s granddaughter Kayla is one herself.

Carl stresses that his community has been the biggest reason for his success. He tells the story of how he came to develop the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in Leadville. The community of the town holds magic in all accounts, which Cole attests to. There is so much to see in the mining museum, but Carl’s favorite is the underground mine portion, which he designed based on his experience working in the early mines. If you’re in town for the off season, Carl recommends checking out the snow sports scene, including skiing and snowboarding. Many people are drawn to Leadville for the multitude of outdoor activities, and never leave.

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