Dave’s Bike Adventures

So here we are in late January – usually a time for off season training and just riding for fun.  But what, a race?  Yes kids, it’s time for another race.  But this isn’t a typical mountain bike race.  To quote the Pisgah Productions site:

This race will be about glory and suffering, pain and endurance, fun and….. no fun at all

The race director (Eric) is known for putting on mountain bike races that really get to the essence of the sport – long epic events that are equal parts race and adventure.  Well the concept behind The Most Horrible Thing Ever was to outdo himself and create a totally over the top, insanely difficult event.

So imagine conjuring up a new concept for a totally over the top mountain bike race.  I’m guessing the thought progression went something like this:

• Let’s have the race in the mountains of the Pisgah National Forest – full of tough, fun, rugged trails …
• … and make the race self supported so racers have to bring along their own food and fuel …
• … and let’s make them ride a really long time … yeah like 36 hours …
• … and mix it up into stages … some set routes and other segments where they have to choose their own routes to reach checkpoints
• … and of course having it in the summer would make it way too easy – let’s make it in February to up the pain factor …
• … and let’s make them ride at night.  No no, I’ve got it … let’s make them start at midnight, ride through the night and all the next day, and through the following night!

Well that pretty much sums up TMHTE.

I have to admit I’m a bit anxious about this one.  I’ve managed some long endurance events, but this is going to break new ground for me.  So I’m posting up in the blogosphere for all to see – my proclamation – can’t back down now!