Last weekend Kerry and I drove about 5 hours to the west to compete in The 24hrs of Moab mountain bike race just outside of Moab, Ut. We have both competed in 24hrs of Moab numerous times, but this year it is was selected as USA Cycling's National 24 hr championships. Kerry competed in the womens solo division, I organized a 4 person team consisting of Mark Roebke, Mike Gibbs and Ed Oliver. We signed up for the Vet 35+ division.
We had the power and consistency to take the national title. Kerry finished a very strong 4th.
Kerry finishing up 25 hrs of racing. Yes it is a 24 hour race, but finish a lap before noon, you have the option of going out on another lap and Kerry would never pass up an oportunity to ride her mountain bike.
One of the many sand traps on course. The course consisted of a 15 mile loop. The 1st half is technical and sandy. The 2nd half is more wide open and not nearly as sandy as years past.
A dusty Le Monds style start. Riders run about a 1/4 mile before hopping on their bikes. This spreads the field out before hitting the technical sections.
A dust mask is a good call.
Late afternoon, top of the 1st climb. The La Sal mountains are in the background.
Everyone camps at the venue during the 24 hr race. This adds a lot of flavor to the race and I believe it is why 24 hr mountain bike racince is so popular especially among people who would otherwise never show up for a mountain bike race.
Kerry charging down the 1st sandy descent early in the race.
My team mates before the start of the race. Ed, Mike and Mark. We all rode consistent and strong especially during the night.
The result of solid strong error free riding, top step of the podium.
2009 24hr National Champions.
Kerry finished a very impressive 4th overall in an extremely competive women's pro solo division.
Chaos during the Le Monds style start. We were all glad Ed was off the front of this mess.
Nose Dive. Years past I used to ride this section. Now, I do not even consider it.
Sunset
2009 24 hour National Champions
This is Ed's 2nd national championship in 2 weeks. Ed also won an Xterra Triathlon National Championship in Ogden Ut.
24 hours of Moab legend, never looks to be suffering, Mike Gibbs.
24 hr races require a bright set of lights. Riders making their way down the final descent to the finish.
Mark even with a very bad cold was killing it every lap. Very impressive!
