12 Hours of Mesa Verde

May 8, 2010

I had never done an endurance Mt Bike race and Pamcakes (Pamela Davis) and I managed to gain entry to 12 Hours of Mesa Verde. A good friend of ours was signed up and got sick, so we picked up his spot and we rode as a DUO. Warren, Karen & Brett rode SOLO - hats off to these crazy crazy people.

Warren

Karen - hydrating & celebrating 4th Female Solo Finisher
(in her 1st 12hr solo race) Yehaar!

Brettsky - working the spandex while refueling!


We had never been to Cortez, but we had all read about the trail 'Phil's World' and heard great things. Loads of whoopty doo's and roller coaster single track, not too much climbing and heaps of fun! I thoroughly recommend this race. The riding reminded us all of Kessel & Zippity Do Dah, Fruita, CO. Each lap was a little over 16 miles. Interesting was, that each part of the trail had names like 'Rib Cage', 'Lemon Head' & 'The Pinnacle' & each of us can remember exact parts of the course because of these wooden signs like mile stones & it made it fun.

Pam - Single Speedin'

We got there on a Friday afternoon and pre-rode the course and we were all psyched, this was a fun loop. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about some parts, as I am not exactly a technical rider, but never say never, and skin grows back!

The race started with a 'Le Mans' style start, and I was nominated the runner. It was pretty congested and adrenaline was running, I think I only fell once on the first lap. This would be a pattern I'd follow. I would master something on one lap and then falter on the next on a part I'd ridden seamlessly or I'd just go too fast & loosey goosey. Ha Ha - this is why we we called the 'Hot Mess Express'. Pam was the HOT, I was the MESS!

Pamcakes 'Hot'

Tam 'Mess'

I have to admit I did get better every lap, but by then it's hard to tell because you are so fatigued. We rode 7 laps (114 miles) in 11hrs 53mins.

We were sitting in 2nd - 3rd most of the race and Pam and I were so ridiculously close in our lap times it was scary. We hadn't ridden that much together and I have to say she was taking a gamble on teaming up with me & my limited Mt. Biking experience.

We were pretty lucky in 'mechanicals' although Pam's chain was being fussy for her 3rd lap and I flatted on the last lap and watched 4th, sail though to 3rd - bummer.

A huge thank you goes to Barry (Bazza), Ryan & Frank (sick mullet). A big thanks to First Descents for kitting us out and for the amazing work they do.

Bazza getting shit done, and BTW it was his idea to have cubed watermelon on hand - genious!

Ryan, showcasing his sunscreen application talents, 1 of many.

Frank rockin' the FD kit whilst hydrating & looking rad!


We all had a great time and will be back next year. Till then here's to Ben & Jerry's Phish Food and the creative new way Brett discovered how to hold a spoon when your forefinger/ thumbs go on strike after 12 hours of abuse!

Congrats to my phish food eating hubby on his first Mt. bike race ever, you are amazing.

Last but not least to my partner in grime, Pam, you inspire me & thanks for having faith in me.