Triangle Adventure Racing Team

Well, what can I say it was another classic gut check in the Pisgah Mountains with over 10 hours in the saddle to clean the 4 checkpoints. I really shouldn’t say “in the saddle” due to the wet and muddy trail conditions which resulted in significant hike-a-bike opportunities for all the riders.

My teammate Juan Pedrazza and I, along with Jeff and Brian Thompson plotted our Checkpoints back at the camp and after quickly settling on our route of attack, set off for Turkey Pen Gap the 1st mandatory point. The trip up Black Mountain was a familiar one with a similar start to the 2006 race..up and up the trail climbed with a combination of granny gear grinding and walking the bike. It was tough push through to the checkpoint where we gathered our thoughts, took in food/water and e-caps and set off for CP2….it was relatively non-eventful ride across despite the on and off rain and muddy trails. CP2 went well and the four of us set-off in search of CP3 at Cantrell Creek. Just barely out of the Checkpoint my trouble started. While rolling along my rear dérailleur hanger was torn off the frame. At this point the decision was made for Jeff and Brian to ride on as to not ruin their time and momentum.

Juan quickly went to work and the bike was configured as a single-speed. We pushed on riding when we could..pushing when we had to. We surprisingly arrived at CP3 with Brian and Jeff about 10 minutes ahead of us. After another short break we set off for CP4 at Club Gap. In looking over our map we realized we were in for a long push/walk but decided it was a matter of pride to finish. Unfortunately on the way across, my rear hub stripped leaving me with no pedaling ability. With nothing left to do but walk the bikes we pushed on with me coasting the downhills and walking the rest of the trails. We eventually arrived at CP4 running across Charlie and Ernie on the way in to the CP. In looking over the map and our options regarding our mechanical situation we opted to make a downhill run and return to the finish via a forbidden road. Upon hitting the gravel road, Juan and I configured a towing system reminiscent of Sanford and Son and we towed the broken down bike on in to the finish. For our sins we were hit with an 8 hour penalty but still managed an official finish by finding all four Checkpoints.

When we arrived at the finish we met up with Ernie and Charlie who were showered and drinking beer already with their 10HR 01 minute finish. Brian and Jeff soon rolled in at 11:01 relieved to be finished as well. After a couple beers the pain went away and I imagine we will be back to exact revenge in 2008!! Check out the pictures from the race PMBAR.