VICTORY!!! (updated video)

—> Many of you know that I opened the 2009 racing season with a visit to the 10th annual KONA 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo. This was to be my first attempt at a 24 SOLO event, so I wanted to be well prepared. With support from my family and teammates, I was able to train consistently since the 1st of January and arrived at the race in decent shape for this time of year. The race began with a “shotgun” start and a 1/4mile lemans run. I was able to get out in the top 20 and settled into a reasonable pace. My plan was to maintain my 100 mile pace for the entire 24 hours. It worked well and soon I had caught and passed the early leader Tinker Juarez and was riding alone in the lead as darkness approached. I stopped for about 10 minutes to install my lights and add some more clothing. Throughout the night I maintained consistent laps and stopped only at midnight to lube my chain and change batteries. My form was good until about 5am when temperature seemed to drop and the wind began to pick up. I started to get cold even after daylight and another quick stop to remove my lights. I wasn’t able to warm up and my lap times did not improve even though it was daylight. At 11:11am I lapped Tinker and decided that it was time to rest. We had a little recovery meal, pulled some cactus spines out of my legs (overzealous cornering!), and crossed the finish line victorious at 12:01 pm. I want to thank all of my sponsors, but especially NoTubes.com for the totally rad new race wheels/tires, Magura for the new brakes, fork, and rear shock, and Scrub Components for the sick brake rotors that all arrived just in time to win! Even though I rocked it last year, this was a tough year for sponsorship. This race was on me, but I appreciate all of you out there that believe in my dream and support my cause. Thanks again and savor this one with me! The best is yet to come… VP