By Tim Murrell
The mountain bike race titled the "24 Hours of Old Pueblo" takes place in the cactus-strewn hilly lands 20 miles north or so of Tucson, Arizona. This year, race day was February 17th starting at 12-noon and ending 24 hours later. My goal was to complete my first 24-hour event as a duo (or two man team) with each RJ and I tag teaming at least 16, 15-mile laps. By analyzing the previous years results, we figured if we managed to ride 17 laps we would place in the top 5.
The trail, both single and double track, zigzags it's way through unforgiving cholla, barrel, saguaro, and teddy bear cactus. Certainly not an ideal environment for rubber soled inflatables and exhausted pedelers cranking the night away at high speeds.
I started the race in Mountain Hardwear's (MH) Wicked-T which was perfect given the hot temperatures that reached 70F (remember I'm from 7,500ft). As afternoon rolled around I threw on a jersey covered by my Mountain Hardwear shell. I have to say that this is one of the best lightweight shells I have worn to date. I barely knew it was there! Through the night it kept me cool as I picked up the pace and warm for those stretches of trail where the wind howled.
Long story short, the 24 Hours of Old Pueblo was certainly one of the most strenuous and mind demanding activities I have taken part in to date. RJ and I passed the baton through both day and night, and again day, riding one more lap than we had set out to complete; 17 laps. An increased race participation this year and a number of sponsored riders kicked what we had hoped to be a top 5 finish into that of 12th. Hell, 12th out of 80-some riders ain't so bad for first time mountain bike racers.
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