Valentine's Day, February 14, 2009 at 12:00, the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo marked the tenth anniversary of a race that is a must-go for anyone who loves singletrack and needs an excuse to test their winter legs. Epic Rides and Kona have been long-time partners in the 'Old Pueblo, which doubles the fun--both organizations are easy going and adventurous by nature, so only good things could come from such a union. Kona’s presence was felt through the 43-degree evening—with a crackling fire and a helpful staff of mechanics.
The running start was a huff for all but the most fit: Photo by cute young woman
who's name I forgot (Thanks! --RC)
February is cold—even in Tucson, Arizona, but the dodgy weather that has been a hallmark of the Old Pueblo race stayed North for the weekend, leaving beautiful blue skies during the day and a waning moon, surrounded by an explosion of stars during the night stages. The 16.2 mile course is almost all singletrack and riders who don’t stay between the lines are given no quarter by the cactus—all types of the prickly stuff—that lines all but a few yards of the track. Helpful course workers stationed about three miles apart provided 2-hours of encouragement and combs to extract cactus from bodies and clothing.
Plenty of cactus for hungry tires and careless legs. James Mandolini photo
Dave Weins was the honored guest (an Old Pueblo tradition) at the standing-room-only pre-race dinner. Speakers honored the multiple-champion’s massive list of victories and his contributions to the sport—and then paraded a skimpy skin suit that Dave allegedly wore during the sport’s “purple-anodized-parts” era. “For the record,” Dave retorted. “I never wore that skin suit.” Yeah Right! Dave’s five-person coed team Ergon easily won their category—and was one of the few that put in a scorching, sub-hour lap time.
The Ergon rock drop near the finish line is a crowd favorite. James Mandolini photo
The “Pueblo” is a perfect course for solo and single-speed competitors, and the racing for both solo and single-speed honors was brutally fast. After a hard-charging Tinker Juarez faded back to third in the solo men’s calss, Evan Plews diced it out with Ian Leitch until the bell rang at noon Sunday. Both men put in 18 laps—Evan’s time was about 30 minutes faster for the win.
Yes, they wore their costumes for the first lap. RC Photo
The legs of steel award goes to Lynda Wallenfels, a solo single-speed rider who put in 16 laps—beating all the female solo riders, and up to 4th place in the men’s Solo division. Do the math (292 miles in 24-hours) and you’ll realize just how fast these folks were riding.
Kona provided a fire pit, tyechnical support and a free single-speed for one lucky
winner. James Mandolini photo
In the end, a fun time was had by all, and the sel-out history of the 24-Hours in the Old Pueblo was once again assured. How could it not sell out? The food is plentiful and affordable, there are free charging stations, more-than-you-could-wish-for trailside assistance, the course’s fun-factor is unmatched, and Epic Rides (the Tour organizer) is already famous for keeping it real. I’ll be back.
The best two laps are the first one of the evening and watching dawn break when you are half way around the course. James Mandolini Photo
(Scroll down for the winning results)
Contact Epic Rides HERE and remember that they produce a half-dozen rides throughout the season-so if you missed the Old Pueblo, sign up for one of these:
The podium must support a lot of riders in a team-based event--the only thing we didn't see at the Old Pueblo were frowns. James Mandolini photo
FIRST PLACE CATEGORY WINNERS:
*overall winner
4-person Single-speed: 20 laps--Mountain Flyer: Brian Riepe, Steve Mabry, David Ochs, "Englebert Humperdink"
*4-person male open: 22 laps--Adrenaline Race Team: Jeff Herrera, Andy Schultz, Sam Schultz, Chris Suter.
4-person female open: 17 laps--Pussy Power: Edy Light, Katie Tuttle, Kris Hanning, Nancy Turman.
5-person Co-ed: 20 laps (200+ combined age)--Weapons of Ass Destruction: Nicholas Stevens, Rick Callies, Philip Simpson, Dave Million, Shannon Gibson.
5-person Co-Ed (0 to 149 combined age): 15 laps--Racer's Racers: Arthur Morris, Aaron Fox, Jessica Morris, Kellie Williams, Shaelie Johansen.
*5-person Co-Ed (150-199 combined age): 21 laps--Ergon Corporate: Yuki Saito, Sonya Looney, Dave Weins, Jeff Kerkove, Mystery rider. (fastest 5-person team)
Corporate team: 20 laps--Area 51: Richard Biocca, Daryll McKenzie, Bill Bock, Chad Bakken, Michael Malisewski, Ywaine Klix, Tom Phielix.
Duo female: 17 laps--Old Pueblo Gymnastics Academy: Natalie Luhtala, Alicia Sooter.
Duo Co-Ed: 18 laps--Shoair: Mario Correa, Heidi Volpe.
Duo male: 20 laps--Jordache and Z Cavaricci: Jordan Williford, Jeff Zurakowski
*Solo single-speed female: 16 laps--2-Epic: Lynda Wallenfels (fastest solo single speed and second-fastest solo)
Solo single-speed male: 15 laps--Niner-Ergon: Dejay Birch.
Solo female: 15 laps--Titus-Roaring Mouse: Sarah Kaufman
*Solo male: 18 laps--Evan Plews