The clocking was ticking down, heart rates where rising, as the sound of a helicopter was heard overhead signaling the start of the 2008 24hr world solo championships. A quick dash saw competitors run 400metres to their bikes before a 7km prologue down into the town of Canmore. As to be expected the top guys went off like firecrackers, lapping in incredible times just over an hour, (these times would eventually blowout to 2hrs). My plan was to take it easy and hopefully pick up a few places as the race progressed due to other riders burning out! For me the biggest thing about riding race like this is finding a sustainable rhythm, one which you will be able to keep for the duration of the race and sticking to it. Some laps will feel great and others will be shockers, but overall consistency is the key. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day with blue skies and moderate temperatures as we hit the 4hr mark. Sometime after then, exact time is hard to recall, we had a light shower, just enough to settle the dust and make for good riding conditions. Although from that point on there were some serious grey clouds looming in the valley threatening to open the heaven above on us. Around 7pm it opened up and the entire race course was hit by solid rain for an hour, the wind had picked up and I recall riding along seeing a bolt of lightning come down and strike the mountain behind me. This awful weather caused a dramatic change in the outcome of the race. It completely changed the trail; many tree roots that were rideable in the dry became to dangerous for many to ride, the climbs became walks, the track widened as riders looked for better lines through the bog holes and amount of mud that was finding it’s way into peoples eyes was enormous. It was at this stage the race leader Tinker pulled out with an eye problem handing the eventual victory to Aussie James Williamson. The rain eased off as we hit the 10hr mark and lights were switched on, the beauty of racing in the North American summer is that we only had 7hrs of darkeness! Around midnight it rained again, only hard and longer. With my AY UP lights on full beam I could see it was turning into a race of survival for the head strong as conditions went to shit! People were dropping out left, right and centre, the slow and steady tactic was starting to work. It was a long demanding night, when the sun comes up you expect a lift in your spirits, determination and energy levels, well, I can safely that I (and many others) didn’t get it! It was depressing knowing that you still have to ride for another 5hrs. On the up side, at least the track was drying out and could actually starting riding the course again, although after already climbing the equivalent of Mt Everest any extra is bonus! After 23hrs 52 minutes, 300kms, and 10,500metres of climbing I crossed the finishing line. With hard work, comes satisfaction. With commitment come rewards! 24hrs of Adrenalin Canmore was my Everest and I had concurred it! A huge shout out to my awesome support crew- Barry, Andrew, Alistar. A racer is only as strong as their support crew. Another thank you to AY UP Lighting, Black Sheep Imports, Blackheart, Salamon, BSC Bern Helments, Pow gloves,. Thanks.

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