12 Hours of Pando 2007... Recollection

Well, well, well. I've made it through my first 12 Hours of Pando, part of the Michigan Endurance Series Cup. Great stuff. The pic above was me negotiating the corner at the bottom of the first downhill. If you blow it up and look close, my eyes are closed. That's 'cause I was Zen-ing through the course with my mental calmness... or it could have also been the dust. Conditions early were dry and dusty, but I will go over that a little later on.

Anyway, the Dirt Dads entered 2 4-person Open Sport teams and one solo rider. Dirt Dads One comprised of myself, Brian VanRhee, Bob Lalley and Brad VanderBosh. Dirt Dads Two had the Pastuniak brothers Harv and John, Marc Heneveld and Tim Raymond. Mashing the pedals going solo was Rusty Powers. DD1 finished 6th with DD2 not far behind in 7th. DD1 missed catching Eight Balls Deep by 14 minutes, who finished 5th overall. First through forth place were had by more formal teams from Founders Ale, Soul Cycles, Velo City Cycles and North Country Cycle and Sport. Not bad for a bunch of weekend warrior types storming the event.

The day began with sun and cool temps but clouds rolled in shortly after the start and remained. By 6PM, sprinkles of rain started and a slow, steady rain followed. By 10PM, in the dark, the rain picked up and began to pelt us for the rest of the night. Along with the weather conditions, the trail conditions also deteriorated.

The trail was in good condition at the beginning with a few short, sandy climbs as well as a little wet clay area in a little valley around the back of the course. There were a couple of downhills finishing up with 90-degree and hairpins. By late in the race the bottom of the downhills were getting sandy and even dangerously rutted from hard breaking. The three short goat hills turned to sand dunes, even with the rain. And the slick clay crossing turned into peanut butter... not to mention what it became when it got dark.

By 10PM, I was toasted and I had to discuss my cramping situation with DD1's lead-off man Bob Lalley. By the time it was my turn again, it was pouring pretty good but my legs were questionable as to being able to turn another lap. When it was time to suit up, Bob stepped up and agreed to pound out my lap, and if necessary an additional one. Way to go! He saved me and as a result, missed out on the post event tacos from Moe's Southwestern Grill. I think I owe him a lunch to make up for his loss... whaddayathink?

I've gotten a bit of the clean-up underway but the bike is still a bloomin' mess in the garage. It's all dried and caked on now, but that'll make it easier to chip off... not really. I'll have to give it a good once over with the brush and bucket.