24 Hours of Clear Springs

This was really my first 24 solo as the one I had done previously (The Mangler) had been cut short by a bear attack so I was pumped to see how far I could push myself.  The previous week via email a lot of predictions / smack talk had been made by me to beat out my 2 other riding buddies (Mo-fo and Fa-real) with the winner receiving a 6-pack of there choice.  I had been riding strong the last few weeks and felt good with my fitness level coming into the race.

From 24 HOCS (2008)

I originally planned on driving out to Clear Springs the Friday before the race but decided against it so as to get a good night sleep in my bed and leave at 7:00 am Saturday morning.  I arrived at Clear Springs at 10:00 with plenty of time to setup my pit area and get dressed.  Unlike most 24 hour races there is no Le Mans start (running start) at Clear Springs as the director lets the team riders go first then us soloist's next. 

From 24 HOCS (2008)

I started off pretty fast, faster then I should of finishing my first lap right at an hour for the 10 mile course.  I was feeling good and didn't pit but for 2 seconds to swap out water bottles and take off on my second lap.  I was using the same plan that I had used in The Mangler by just doing a lap with a bottle of Cytomax and my tools in my seat pack.  On the third lap I snapped my chain allowing Mo-Fo to take the lead.  While fixing the chain I was passed by another rider Charley Rome who I knew was going to eventually pass me as he's a much stronger and experienced rider then I, and at this point while kneeling by my bike I felt the onset of some cramping happening.  As I finished my 4th lap Iwent to switch out water bottles and grab some endurolytes  when Fa-real came into the pits also, so we decided to start riding together.  We rode for 3 laps together with 1.5 of them being in the dark.  After my 6th lap my stomach starting giving me big problems and I felt like I was going to puke any second, eventually doing so behind my truck.  I decided to lay down at that point after sitting around the fire for an hour.  I woke back up still feeling nauseous but decided to head out and do 2 more laps before calling it quits.  I ended up with 8 laps or 80 miles.  It was disappointing but I was glad to see both my friends podium with 1st, 3rd and 4th.  Hopefully I will be back next year to redeem myself.