Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1524446
August 2024 9 for the dust to clear and all but the first row were launching into blinding condi ons. Streaked Steve was the first rider out for team Posse Whipped ripping a killer hole shot landing him in front of the 42 teams in their class. The plan was a er two laps he'd pass the transponder to Sam for two laps, then Ryan for two, then Jack for two, and Luke would wind up the rota on. Steve's first two laps went smoothly, and he was generally pleased with the course. 5.5 hours later all five Posse Whipped Riders had completed their first shi . Other than minor mechanical issues, the a ernoon went rela vely smoothly. By 8:30 PM, it was me to mount the lights and rest for those not on the course. For the next few hours, riders returning to the pits all commented on how ham- mered the fresh-cut parts of the trail had become as it was bony. And all were covered in dust like a powdered donut. Only it was dirt, not sugar. Outside the camper was a steady rhythm of bikes coming in and bikes heading out as transponders were handed off. At all mes we were constantly trying to hydrate while in the pits. A er nigh all, with dust hanging in the hot s ll air, there was no place on the course with good visibility. Lights would reflect off the dust and helmet-mounted headlamps, effec vely blinding the riders. It was very much like driving in a blizzard with high beams on. A treat with this kind of ride is that all the various classes are on the course at the same me. The pro riders' speed is mind-boggling. A er the first few hours, the field of riders is rela vely spread out and you can hear the pros coming up from behind at warp speed. Most novices just pull to the side and watch them blaze through the blinding dust. Most would holler a "thank you" while passing and some were more aggressive with their wording. And if you were fortunate enough to get passed by mul- ple juggernauts duking it out wheel to wheel…… well, it's a kind of religious experience! The 24-hour is as much a head game as a physical challenge. For most team members the start of the race means going back to the pit and ….wai ng. When the sun sets, and off-duty racers are trying to rest between shi s the pits are quietly busy.