Driving into Moab at sunset, the rocks are imposing and magnificent
The surreal beauty of the desert has to be experienced
This is truly God's country
Where there isn't rock, there is dust or sand. Here we are lucky to have the water trucks
This is a big event with over 400 teams and well over a thousand racers
Race Day Morning...the weather was clear and calm. No goggles needed
The Rock for which the course is named “Behind the Rock”
The course map. Only 15 miles but you feel every inch of it with grunty tech rock climbs/descents and quagmires of beach sand
Our camp was definitely a step up from what I am used to
Being on a team with my brother means going in style!
Apparently owning a RV often means spending the weekend fixing it...and apparently trout like WD40 as much as cranky generators
My brand new hardtail is primed to represent the legendary Santa Cruz Mountains
There are literally hundreds of encampents just like ours
Moab in the morning
Here is where we check in bwt laps and pass off the baton. People get very animated during this process
The Skipper ensures his number one guy is ready to rock
Speedy Land-o about to go out and rip a 1:12 first lap. #9 across the finish line
Darren sports freshly shaved legs as the designated sprinter for the Racers Vet Men Team
Riders warm-up for the starting sprint while the desert looks on amused
Bikes are positioned outside the tent. After checking in and receiving the baton, we run to our bikes and are off for some suffering
A few people are lucky enough to camp in solitude
The mass start...riders sprint to their bikes and take off in a fracas of dust and spando
Darren and Landon primed for the mass start. The guy next to them already has his game face on. Darren is trying to get in his head
People come from all around the world for this event. She's German if you couldn't guess from the coif
It“s On!
There is a fair amount of sitting around involved...after lap one, no one complains. This sadly is my only shot of Calvin..Sorry Calvie!
The Skipper getting ready for lap 2
Brett is ready to head out on his first night lap...btw...this guy never takes a bad picture
Chillin in the RV. Captain Kirk would be jealous of those seats and we definitely wish our bike seats were a little more like this!
It's night time before we know it. Fires keep race support warm while riders find their way home in the dark
Temps dropped from the 80's during the day to the high 30's at night
Riders way off in the distance can be seen with their lights at night
Riders finishing their early morning lap as the sun comes up in the desert
Darren wouldn't be the only one to experience cramping
Brett is stoked to not have to get on his bike again...he didn't mention cramping
Scott just finished his fourth lap and Midnite Trail Seshi clinches #4
His first mountain bike race and that feeling of wanting to hurl...way to get er done Scotty!
Craig can make even the most exhausted person crack a smile...meanwhile Landon sports his PJ“s after a much derserved siesta
After 24 hrs, we are a haggard looking crew.. but going home #4 in the Pro Am category with only one surgery between the lot of us
Here's where it all begins and ends
