Hardcore 24 - a success!

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This past weekend was the Hardcore 24 in Naples, NY. Just a short drive from where we live and on trails that we love to ride often. The race started on Saturday at Noon in the rain on wet, slippery, and muddy trails and ended on Sunday in the sunshine and dry trails. Mark and I raced as a two person male/female team against two other co-ed teams. We won our category and also took a 1st place overall against all two person teams - winning by an entire lap!

We completed 24 laps (12 each) on an 8 mile course (a total of 96 miles each) with about 1,400 ft (a total of 16,800 ft each) of climbing per lap. I couldn’t be happier with our results and the performance of our HiFi Pro’s was amazing considering the gnarly conditions. No mechanicals, flats or catastrophes. I felt great the entire race and had a ton of fun. My 3:30 am lap was my most fun, surprising since I usually struggle at that time. I rode fairly consistent throughout the entire race, in fact my lap times got shorter as the race progressed, mostly because the course was actually drying out and conditions were improving.

Saturday started with a stop at the GBC for some last minute supplies.

Mark and I 5 minutes before the start. Mark’s smile is so big because there was no lemond start this year.

Casey with his game face on minutes before the start with Val, his pit crew.

Jason and Mark, respectively, on the first lap.

Coming through the feed zone about halfway through the course.

Mark and I on the podium congratulating the 2nd place team. They are truly hardcore, they both competed on single speeds!

Mark and I could not have done this race without the help of Wendy, above right. She was awake 24 hours meeting Mark and I at the feed zone and the start/finish for every lap, provided us with warm water to sponge off, reminders to eat and drink, time reminders, and a cheerful disposition. She definitely went above and beyond. Jeremy and Dave 2 the max also were key to our wins by providing us with a clean, lubed and tuned bike each lap. They have probably cleaned my bike more than I have - a big THANKS to everyone else that helped Mark and I through the race and to everyone that stopped by to give support during the race. Also, thanks to the Park Ave team for putting on a great event and to Swarty for providing a bonfire, hot coffee and a few good laughs.

We can’t wait for next year.

ore photos.