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Click here for our 2008 24 Hours of Moab Photo Gallery
24 Hours of Moab – Best of the West
When I received an invite to cover the 24 hours of Moab this year, I immediately and enthusiastically accepted the offer. I did the race in 2001 and it still stands out in my mind as the best MTB event I have ever attended. It’s definitely not the sand-ridden course that makes it the best, nor the grueling round-the-clock race schedule, nor the often winter-like weather conditions that prey on Moab this time of year. Actually it’s the combination of these seemingly not-so-fun factors, combined with an excellent race/camping venue that hosts thousands of people in a party like atmosphere, and a dedicated and friendly race staff that set this event apart in the MTB world.
The 24 Hours of Moab is a race that riders of all abilities go to challenge themselves to the extremes of their endurance and tolerance to lack of sleep and challenging weather conditions. The event draws everyone from weathered pros like Chris Eatough and the original energizer bunny Tinker Juarez, to a team comprised of actual, for-real Navy Seals, to recreational riders who have never done a race before at all, much less a 24 hour race. What all these people have in common at this event is that everyone has a great time and leaves with a sense of accomplishment that lasts for years.
The Camp Experience
Half of the fun of this event is the camping experience at the mini-mountain-biking city that pops up in the desert for the weekend. Thousands of racers, support crew, friends , and family show up to race, ride, or just hang out for the fun. There are plenty of eccentric characters in the mix – one team wore race uniforms that were police costumes – right down to the authentic mustaches and CHP sunglasses. Another team spent their time between laps cruising around camp on an assortment of modified bikes. One bike had a boom box system built on the back that blasted funky tunes all over camp. There was plenty to see at the camp sites as well. One site had a home-made portable hot tub. Another was completely outlined with beer bottles inserted upside down in the sand in a continuous line. And the dogs – there apparently are no dog rules at this race as dogs wandered throughout the camp independent of their owners. In Moab, dogs have rights too.
There is an area of camp that features product vendor displays and a small “food court”. In the cold temps, a hot pulled-pork sandwich was mighty good. A tent-based espresso stand continued to serve hot beverages until the conclusion of the race on Sunday – which was no small feat considering the hardships of wind and sand the day before. Everyone involved in the camp – vendors, race staff, racers, and campers should be commended for making this an exceedingly interesting and positive event experience.
Year of the mighty (cold) wind
This year’s event will be remembered for the wind. Wind-advisory strength winds created a sand storm the morning of the race that few will forget. Tents and awnings were destroyed, cameras were filled with sand, as were ears, eyes, and every other bodily orifice exposed to the elements. Wind turned to freezing cold the night of the race and teams were challenged to extremes as they battled fatigue and the elements to complete yet another lap. Difficult conditions did not dampen spirits however. To the contrary, the more difficult the conditions, the more heightened the sense of accomplishment and euphoria the racers felt at being done with a lap.
Team 270 “Hell on Wheels” survives the wind with smiles intact
Team 270 “Hell On Wheels” was back this year for a fourth go at this challenging event. I asked Matt Jemmet of team 270 why he continues to come back year after year for additional punishment: “it’s the environment – this is just a great race venue and everyone is having fun”. As the race continued into night and temperatures dropped to near-freezing levels, Hell on Wheels seemed to become more animated with every lap that was conquered. At the conclusion of each lap, weary racers from 270 would have increasingly interesting tales to share with teammates of hardships endured. It seemed that the energy in camp 270 increased as the race wore on, rather than decrease as one would expect at such a grueling event. After a long and cold night Jemmet said that they probably won’t be back next year, but after a moment of reflection added “well, maybe we will…”.
Oh, the race coverage part…..
I came to Moab to capture the overall spirit of the event – both on and off the bike. Race coverage was not my primary objective at the event. However, there was some great racing that deserves some mention:
Josh Tostado of Colorado took the solo men’s win with 17 laps. Tinker Juarez is back on the bike (yet again) and kicking ass (as always). He managed to secure second place with 16 laps. Roan Exelby of South Africa rounded out the top three. Race-favorite Chris Eatough dropped out of the race after 8 laps. In the women’s solo category, Jari Kirkland, Kris Cannon, and Kerry white took 1st second and third respectively at 13, 11, and 11 laps each.
For full race results for all categories, please see the Granny Gear website
To quote the governator……
I’ll be back! Ultimately most teams were able to finish the event and go home with memories that will endure for years. I didn’t race, but I still had a fantastic time observing this event. The camp that pops up in the desert for a few days around the event hosts thousands of the friendliest MTB enthusiasts you will ever meet. This is an event that anyone that loves mountain biking needs to try at least once. I left the event resolved to come back next year – with a team and a well-executed race plan. Or at least a plan to get a few laps done, and enjoy a few well-deserved beers in the process. Ride on!
And one final note:
This race is made possible by generous sponsors who deserve some thanks:
Suzuki
Ellsworth
IMBA
Infinit Nutrition
Nite Rider
Click here for our 2008 24 Hours of Moab Photo Gallery
24 Hours of Moab – Best of the West
When I received an invite to cover the 24 hours of Moab this year, I immediately and enthusiastically accepted the offer. I did the race in 2001 and it still stands out in my mind as the best MTB event I have ever attended. It’s definitely not the sand-ridden course that makes it the best, nor the grueling round-the-clock race schedule, nor the often winter-like weather conditions that prey on Moab this time of year. Actually it’s the combination of these seemingly not-so-fun factors, combined with an excellent race/camping venue that hosts thousands of people in a party like atmosphere, and a dedicated and friendly race staff that set this event apart in the MTB world.
The 24 Hours of Moab is a race that riders of all abilities go to challenge themselves to the extremes of their endurance and tolerance to lack of sleep and challenging weather conditions. The event draws everyone from weathered pros like Chris Eatough and the original energizer bunny Tinker Juarez, to a team comprised of actual, for-real Navy Seals, to recreational riders who have never done a race before at all, much less a 24 hour race. What all these people have in common at this event is that everyone has a great time and leaves with a sense of accomplishment that lasts for years.
The Camp Experience
Half of the fun of this event is the camping experience at the mini-mountain-biking city that pops up in the desert for the weekend. Thousands of racers, support crew, friends , and family show up to race, ride, or just hang out for the fun. There are plenty of eccentric characters in the mix – one team wore race uniforms that were police costumes – right down to the authentic mustaches and CHP sunglasses. Another team spent their time between laps cruising around camp on an assortment of modified bikes. One bike had a boom box system built on the back that blasted funky tunes all over camp. There was plenty to see at the camp sites as well. One site had a home-made portable hot tub. Another was completely outlined with beer bottles inserted upside down in the sand in a continuous line. And the dogs – there apparently are no dog rules at this race as dogs wandered throughout the camp independent of their owners. In Moab, dogs have rights too.
There is an area of camp that features product vendor displays and a small “food court”. In the cold temps, a hot pulled-pork sandwich was mighty good. A tent-based espresso stand continued to serve hot beverages until the conclusion of the race on Sunday – which was no small feat considering the hardships of wind and sand the day before. Everyone involved in the camp – vendors, race staff, racers, and campers should be commended for making this an exceedingly interesting and positive event experience.
Year of the mighty (cold) wind
This year’s event will be remembered for the wind. Wind-advisory strength winds created a sand storm the morning of the race that few will forget. Tents and awnings were destroyed, cameras were filled with sand, as were ears, eyes, and every other bodily orifice exposed to the elements. Wind turned to freezing cold the night of the race and teams were challenged to extremes as they battled fatigue and the elements to complete yet another lap. Difficult conditions did not dampen spirits however. To the contrary, the more difficult the conditions, the more heightened the sense of accomplishment and euphoria the racers felt at being done with a lap.
Team 270 “Hell on Wheels” survives the wind with smiles intact
Team 270 “Hell On Wheels” was back this year for a fourth go at this challenging event. I asked Matt Jemmet of team 270 why he continues to come back year after year for additional punishment: “it’s the environment – this is just a great race venue and everyone is having fun”. As the race continued into night and temperatures dropped to near-freezing levels, Hell on Wheels seemed to become more animated with every lap that was conquered. At the conclusion of each lap, weary racers from 270 would have increasingly interesting tales to share with teammates of hardships endured. It seemed that the energy in camp 270 increased as the race wore on, rather than decrease as one would expect at such a grueling event. After a long and cold night Jemmet said that they probably won’t be back next year, but after a moment of reflection added “well, maybe we will…”.
Oh, the race coverage part…..
I came to Moab to capture the overall spirit of the event – both on and off the bike. Race coverage was not my primary objective at the event. However, there was some great racing that deserves some mention:
Josh Tostado of Colorado took the solo men’s win with 17 laps. Tinker Juarez is back on the bike (yet again) and kicking ass (as always). He managed to secure second place with 16 laps. Roan Exelby of South Africa rounded out the top three. Race-favorite Chris Eatough dropped out of the race after 8 laps. In the women’s solo category, Jari Kirkland, Kris Cannon, and Kerry white took 1st second and third respectively at 13, 11, and 11 laps each.
For full race results for all categories, please see the Granny Gear website
To quote the governator……
I’ll be back! Ultimately most teams were able to finish the event and go home with memories that will endure for years. I didn’t race, but I still had a fantastic time observing this event. The camp that pops up in the desert for a few days around the event hosts thousands of the friendliest MTB enthusiasts you will ever meet. This is an event that anyone that loves mountain biking needs to try at least once. I left the event resolved to come back next year – with a team and a well-executed race plan. Or at least a plan to get a few laps done, and enjoy a few well-deserved beers in the process. Ride on!
And one final note:
This race is made possible by generous sponsors who deserve some thanks:
Suzuki
Ellsworth
IMBA
Infinit Nutrition
Nite Rider
Click here for our 2008 24 Hours of Moab Photo Gallery
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