The 12th Annual Kona Bikes 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo put riders through even more tests than usual.
The winds were strong enough to bend and snap tent poles. Even more amazing, it even dampened some of the usual party atmosphere. Most racers seemed content to huddle someplace warm between laps.
The weather made some of the top riders’ lap counts seem even more superhuman than usual: The No Tubes Women’s Elite team - which features Tucson-based rider Zephanie Blasi - knocked out 19 laps to win the four-person women’s category by a full two laps. Solo men’s winner Anthony White managed 18 laps. If you want to see more, you can visit the Results page.
While the course is fast and not very technical, it doesn’t reward accidents or errors. Within five miles of the race start, traffic slowed to a standstill when one female rider crashed and landed in the cholla cactuses. Several riders who were trained in emergency techniques stopped to help her, a great show of sportsmanship and concern.
There was also an expo area, including Fairwheel Bikes (who rescued a certain Phoenix Mountain Bike Examiner from a broken Specialized shoe while laughing and taking photos), Camelbak, WTB, Mountain Flyer magazine and more. Title sponsor Kona Bikes was also showing its wares. Riders were able to keep their lights charged thanks to NiteRider and a neutral charging stations for other brands of lights.
Peddler on the Path’s hot beverages kept many riders and spectators happy, as did tri-tip and other items from Blue Banjo BBQ.
On a side note, the Coen Brothers classic The Big Lebowski seems to be the inspiration for more than one team name: The men’s duo of Ryan Zilka and Ryan Nelson was called “Not Now Donny,” while solo male Conor Eavey rode as “Mark it 8, Dude.”
Other notable names: Rock Out With Your Cog Out; One Bourbon, One Scotch & One Gear; Cougar Barbie & Her Four Kens; and A Cogwheel Orange.
Comments