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- My gracious hosts, Dave and Linda, who drove me to the start and let me “camp” in their plush trailer before the race.
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- Geared-up, ready to go, and waiting for the 9am start for the 300-mile race.
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- Sometimes the trail was smooth and buttery.
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- …other times, the trail got a bit rough.
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- Stopping to say “Hi” to Marshal Bird (left). We met during the 2010 Tour Divide.
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- Quick stop for ice cream in Patagonia after the hot and dusty first 30 miles. James (pictured) had a string of bad luck with mechanical issues and eventually had to drop out.
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- Dinner stop at Kentucky Campground with other riders. Happy to reach a drinkable water source.
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- Since my body said “no more” around 10:30pm the night before, I got an early start (~4am) on what would turn into a cold and rainy day.
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- Two riders taking refuge from the cold and rain in the Rincon Country Store. It was full of riders trying to dry out and get some sleep.
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- Skirting around Tuscon to begin the climb up Mt Lemon.
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- The storm had passed, but I knew that I’d eventually be slogging through snow at higher elevations.
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- Lots of ups and downs. Lots of walking and pushing.
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- Just getting to the saddle, before the big climb up Mt Lemon, was taxing.
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- The temperature dropped to the 20’s at night, which made for a cold, crisp ride to the top. The water supply I was counting on during the ride up didn’t work due to frozen pipes.
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- After refueling at the Mt Lemon General Store, it was time to face the snowy trails along the ridge.
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- Snow, rocks, and gunked-up gearing meant I did a lot of pushing/walking along the ridge section.
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- Down, off the mountain, the heat started to kick in and I was looking forward to getting to Oracle for some ice cream.
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- I put my foot through cactus a couple times while riding at night. You can see why.
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- The trail just north of Oracle was amazing – fast and twisty.
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- On the last night, I camped next to a water cache with a bunch of other racers. I got a late start, but I knew that I was going to finish the race today.
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- I rode with Matt and Brad along the ridges. They were from Asheville and, randomly, knew my friend Dawn who lived there too.
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- Finally reached the Gila River Valley and the next water source.
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- Lunch stop with Matt and Brad next to the Gila River.
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- The heat really started to kick my butt. I came across Les, another racer, hiding in this spot from the sun. When he left, I happily took his place.
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- I was getting desperate for shady breaks. Saguaro shade would have to make due.
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- Last big climb…and finally the sun was low enough to create some shade.
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- I was tired and rationing my water, but the last section was stunning.
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- Wow.
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- Sun setting as I struggle to finish the last 30 miles.
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- Finished!
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- Finally something to drink again! Thanks to my parents who met me at the finish. I was fried and ready for a hotel room.
As always Forest, You Rip. You’re a bike idol in my heart đŸ˜€
Ah Dawn, it takes one to know one. Hope to see you out at one of these crazy events someday. You should consider doing the Stagecoach 400 in April. And say “Hi” to Matt and Brad for me the next time you cross paths.