June 15, 2002
24 Hours of Adrenalin at Kelso
This event is a little different from my usual. Not having completed a team for the event, I was there primarily to cover the event with a media pass but with an added twist - I get trail access too so I can hammer down just like any racer and do a story from a unique angle - a racer's perspective. Trilife, the event organizer, was good enough to grant me both - a media pass and trail access. That's all I needed and I was off to Milton.
The grandeur of the Kelso escarpment from the 401 Highway was captivating. That massif of near vertical rock formation jutting out of the level fields reminds me of my trip to Paris where for miles, the only high-rise structure you see is the Eiffel Tower. The thought of climbing that rock formation on two wheels brought an unmistakable fun-grin on my eager face.
I thought we'd have numbered campsites, but it was first come-first serve. This worked out well for me since I found a site that's wickedly breathtaking. I was perched on top of a hill overlooking the entire Kelso escarpment where the whole race was to happen. I had to fire-up Photoshop to stitch 4 separate views to create a panoramic view of the escapement from my campsite.
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I eventually hooked up with the Trilife folks. You couldn't find a more dynamic, fun and dedicated crew. These guys are having such a blast you wouldn't think it's a job. Makes you kinda think, "When was the last time you got paid for having fun?". The seamlessness of the event underscores the not-so-obvious fact that serious work and planning went into this project. Specially helpful and accommodating were Krystyna and Brian, a tireless duo who were everywhere juggling a zillion things at the same time. After having met Stuart, who heads the outfit, it became clear where the corporate culture trickled down from. Having witnessed the success of Trilife from humble beginnings to where it is now, I asked a rather benign question: "Do you plan to take the company public?" The answer he gave revealed the vision of a man who's been there, and whose heart is in the right place. Check out the rest on the sidebar.
The Event Sponsors
The entire event was festive and competitive with the event sponsors doing everything they can to make the whole thing happen.
A sweet addition to the event was Roger of Spectrum Imaging. Thanks to him, we get professional looking racing photos in cd or print format. If you missed this one, it's not too late. You can go to his site, check out the thumbnails and order online.
Simon and Jerome of Oryx Bikes provided free tune-ups. I was one of the fortunate who benefited from Jerome's first-rate bike setup that's second to none. While doing the gnarly section of the Snakes and Ladders, confidence was high on Jerome's quick and precise shifting setup that I hammered-down on "full throttle" with no incident.
The very visible and energetic folks at Jeep were just amazing. John Perry and his merry crew had games and fun lined up for the kids as well as the moms and dads. There was free frisbee for everyone!
Another cool event sponsor was the distributors of Thermarest. They loaned out units for bikers to sleep on - I did. Let's just say I snored like a baby. Before that, I used to bring a heavy queen size inflatable mattress (with bellows pump). I guess not anymore.
Lee and Joe of NitePro were visible (a lot of pun intended!) providing night vision to riders caught in the downpour in pitch black conditions.
Steve and Jeff of Master Lock have a trick-looking bikecuff lock that just might put a little scare into Kryptonite.
The Course
Since I was "racing" as well, I was given a "STAFF" plate, which confused quite a number of volunteers and spectators alike. Normally when a racer crosses the finish line, the volunteers give a congratulatory applause. However, when I crossed the finish line, there was "dead air". I heard one of the volunteers ask another, "Do we clap for staff?". That was quote of the day for me. I still get a laugh every time I think about it.
A few sections of the trails are noteworthy. There were several single-track sections in wide open spaces reminiscent of Greenwood Conservation Area, site of the previous Gnarly Charly race.
To the unsuspecting rider (like me), there were 2 tight switchbacks that came from nowhere and threw me off the bike. The first one was close to the starting line (read: very little bike-to-rider acclimatization time). I recall viewing a video of trials legend Hans "no way" Rey negotiating a switchback with ultimate ease and giving pointers at the same time…but hey, he's Hans Rey.
The Kenda Tires section had a small stretch full of rocks (not stones, but rocks the size of bowling balls) similar to that of Hardwood Hills. I had no clue how to navigate that. Do I pick a line? Do I simply ride over? What if the tires get wedged in a rut? Scary thinking I'll endo on a rock bed. I did the not-so-honorable-but-safe way. My tail tucked between my legs, I dismounted and carried the bike over.
Snakes and Ladders is by far the sweetest section. You can tell by the number of spectators. It came with tight winding turns like a snake and drops like a ladder - pure adrenaline rush if you ask me. It was my chance to save face over that rocky terrain dismount. Mustering enough sinew, I hammered down with full-body English and nailed it. I heard an applause from audience (notwithstanding my "STAFF" plate I couldn't remember any particularly brutal climb…but I only did 2 laps. The mildest grade could be a quad buster if you're down to your 4th or 5th lap.
Rishi Grewal
Yes...THE Rishi Grewal was there riding solo and bagging the gold. A defining moment for me came when he crossed the finish line just a few minutes before the 24th hour. He could have just called it a day after doing already 19 laps. At that point, after riding the entire 24 hours with the night ride in a downpour, he certainly deserved his much needed rest. But here is when you separate the men from the boys. The dude went for another lap! I couldn't believe it. I was humbled. What stamina! What mental resolve! Thinking he's doing all that while I copped out of the night ride and instead indulged in half a dozen Krispy Crème donuts reduced me to insignificance. I shouldn't be too harsh. After all, we're not talking just donuts here, it's Krispy Crème!
Nutrition
One of my current site sponsors is OatBars - a nutritious bar made of whole oats. I had a whole box to try out for this race. This is one type of event where its efficiency shown through. At 400 calories per bar, it packed enough energy to keep me from bonking without feeling bloated. Tastewise, it grows on you. For an epic ride, I wouldn't leave home without putting a few in my jersey.
Conclusion
Even when everything was over and done with, it was still hard to leave the place without feeling a little sad. The whole scene was just magical while it lasted. That weekend afforded me an opportunity to hammer down, soak in the vibe and meet new and interesting people. All that and more became the magic that was the 24 Hours of Adrenalin at Kelso.
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Rishi Grewal:
1999 World Solo 24-Hour Champion....more
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