The first 7 hours was like clock work; don't get too excited, you're only about a 4th of the way done! Around 7pm, I spared a few mintues as Dylan put on my light and I ate a proper amount of potatoes and a couple nut bars; I felt like a new person. I rode off into dusk and popped in a headphone for some beats-- top 150 of the 2000's!
Still cruising to the fuel of potatoes with a free spirit, I began to pay the price of partying through the night. I still remained consistent in times with the exception of my hands-- my joints were feeling the jarring of rallying the downhills but... I did my best to ignore the pain. Somewhere around 10am the legend herself-- Cathrine Woods -- called in the race. She said she wasn't going to do anymore laps-- and I didn't have to. With a mouth full of potatoes, gue chomps, and a nut bar I began crying without much regulation.
I had done it. I had completed my first 24 hour race... I had actually won with 34 laps, ~21,000 feet elevation and ~180 miles. I actually placed 11th in the men's category-- had I completed two more laps I would have placed 9th. Putting my best effort forth was my main goal and is very important to me regardless of the outcome. Until I gained a quiver of bike mates, my life was far from anything normal and racing gave me a way to believe in myself and was something no one could take away. Passion never dies and fire in the belly to master the art of racing persists regardless of other commitments needed to fuel the flame.
I was lucky to have Dizly as my support crew which seemed much harder than riding itself. To sit there... for 24 hours... and occasionally lube my chain, fill water bottles, open nut bars and watch me grin in happiness with every lap. At 3am-- the bewitching hour-- I rolled in and he was curlled up on the cot semi-awake under the sleeping bag looking cold and exhausted. I believe he got in a bit of a nap. A support crew is pretty important like putting your lights on your bike so you can feed your face and take inventory on yourself before you roll out for another lap. With this, big kudos to everyone's support crew-- without you, we would struggle!
Big kudos to Juliana, Martin and the Rocky Trail Crew for an amazing event! The music, the vibes, the riders, the supporters and the puppies makes for a great time on two wheels.
I hope to do more 24 hour races. I certainly put it all out there in this one as I do with every race-- we'll see if WEMBO happens Nov 2021-- what a dream.
I also have to mention as HUGE kudos to Kali Protectives for the sweet quiver of helmets. Considering my education is worth more than a down payment on a house, it is essential I protect my brain with one of the most comfortable and finest helmets out there. Kali is pushing the boundaries in relation to safety which I 100% support as a rider/racer and future physio.
Also grande Kudos to Revolution Bicycles in Arcata (USA) for kinddling the flame, Cranks in Chatswood (AUS) for letting me sell all your fab bikes and Kona for sponsorship in a brief moment in time!
I have no idea who (if anyone!) or how many people actually read this stuff however, if you have found yourself here, I hope this inspires you to get out and ride and/or race whether it's just commuting or racing a 24. Thanks for your time and hope it was a good read!
All photo credit: OuterImage!