It's been a long time coming and I know it's been hard for you to be patient but we were finally able to ride the 440 in it's entirety. After getting rained out in October we rescheduled for Dec 4 and it went off without a hitch.....OK, maybe one hitch and that would be the gross number of people who did not show up.
There were a myriad of excuses and I want you to know that I accept none of them. So Dustin, Duane, Ryan, Mike, Scott, Courtney, Branden, Chris, Steve and the rest of you should all be ashamed.
You miss it next year and I may have to consider a lifetime ban from the event.
The weather was great as we started and right away the Brothers Rock went straight off the front flogging it hard. I settled into my 40 mile pace, content to sit in last place and wait for someone to have a mechanical so I could move up a spot. Sure enough, descending the Race Course Jon flatted out and I was able to pass. He caught me about 2 miles later on the Zen climb and I was off the back again.
I was able to keep John and Jon almost in sight thru the first 13 miles when due to lack of marking and explanation on the trail (totally my fault) they both took a wrong turn and I caught John at the water stop at the bottom of Zen and also had maybe a 2 minute lead on Jon again.
I hopped the trail entrance to the Poppy trail 45 seconds behind Jon and 1:30 behind John. I played catch up all the way up Stucki I had it pinned to the top and all the way down towards the Fence Line trail but they still had a 1/2 mile lead on me as we went into the Rim Runner section.
I saw Gary and Doug at the start of Rim Rock and realized I was not as far behind as I thought which was a little shot in the arm to keep pushing. To my surprise Jon was waiting for me at the exit of the Rim Runner trail. He was complaining of some gastrointestinal issues and what my Dad would politely call a case of "the trots." We rode about 200yds together before he had to stop and trot off into the pucker brush. I of course put the pedal down, nothing like kicking a brother when he is down. I would classify my pace as "aggressive touring" at this point.
I saw Jon catching me again about half way thru Barrel Roll. I want to believe that I was able to hold him off to the finish but I kind of think that he took pity on me and throttled back so that I did not have to come in last in my own race. What a considerate guy.
So here are your winners and course record holders, Doug (left) the only gear assisted rider. Gary (right) who led the whole race from mile 2 on.
Official times:
Gary Rock 3:35:49
Doug Rock 3:35:49
John Taylor 3:44:04
Mark Weston 3:52:10
Jon Hansen 3:53:34
Yep only 5 guys showed up, maybe we can triple that next year.
Congratulations to the winners, I believe fun was had by all. I know Jon will be looking for redemption next year after a flat and an unscheduled, emergency jump into the bushes. Thanks to Shalina and Aaron (sorry if I butchered the spelling) for their help with timing and water support, you guys were awesome.
I hope to see you all again next year.
