13:33 moving time. most of stoppage was spent with others trying to comfort a severely injured rider...ended up getting airlifted and now in a coma. a good reminder to enjoy the days you get on a bike.
also struggling with the creation of this event, it was RD'd by a friend of mine who promoted it like it was an "approved" continuation of the OGRE started by Bonk Hard Racing in 2013. well he did not have permission. he basically took the name, date, and route of an existing and successful event which had been dormant for the past (1 or 2?) year(s), and presented it as his own. caused a kerfluffle a few days before the event, and now i feel conflicted...like which friend to pick sides for? each have their strengths in event directing. i just feel like Bonk Hard was hurt, and I don't like it.
anyway, about the actual ride itself, it rained solidly the night before so the roads were really soft. tough going the first 50 miles. my brakes went out a couple times so Fred Flintstone-d to a stop and then dialed the pads in more. then stopped for the accident at about 55, helped where we could (not much really, but couldn't justify continuing until the rider was in the EMT's hands), and rode out w Claire and HH, and Dr. Kate (major helper), and David. The 6 of us kinda stayed together for the next 30 miles. then Erl and I were first into Tunnel Dam (85mi) and right as we were leaving, Claire and HH rolled in. Erl and I rode the loop around Tunnel Dam and back in the aid station at 100, again right as we were leaving, Claire and HH rolled in. i told myself at the beginning that no racing would be had until mile 100. well it was mile 100. and finally the gravel was drying out so we could move a little faster. and our brakes worked better on the steep stuff. we really had a great ride 100-121 and again, as we were leaving Montreal, Claire and HH rolled in! ah! booked it out of there and worked hard to keep focus for last 30 miles. had a flat but totally NASCAR-d the change and kept hustling. magnificent sunset up on the ridge over Osage River. bomber paved descent to finish the ride out.
no idea on placing. not sure i want to know. i am really glad this ride happened but still can't let it go how we were mis-led into thinking that Bonk Hard's original event was rightfully continued. so mixed emotions. just trying to focus on the satisfaction of a good ride, coming out healthy, and hoping the injured rider makes it.
RD provided poor cue cards and aid station information. Aid was at:
26 - gas station (Hwy 42)
50 - gas station (Montreal)
85 - parking lot (Tunnel Dam Rd)
100 - parking lot (Tunnel Dam Rd)
121 - gas station (Montreal)
151 - finish line (CryBaby Campground)
http://gojim.tv/ a good account of the accident and hopefully further updates.