Pierre's Hole 100

88.2 miles

12,439ft of vert

8:47:55

3^rd Place SS

Another fantastic race put together by Andy and the volunteers in the Teton Valley.  It was almost a déjà vu moment Friday night before the race, as a gnarly thunderstorm rolled in dumping rain and lightning throughout the night.  Like last year, this made for muddy conditions during the first lap and hero dirt for the last two.  Sadly missing from this year’s race was AJ, single speed legend, and frankly my inspiration to get into this crazy sport.  Despite this, many people paid tribute to AJ by racing in his jersey and utilizing his “HTFU” mantra. 

Riding rigid ain't too bad!

Just an awesome photo

The first mile or so of the first lap is a stout climb on a cat track that really split up the racers before hitting singletrack.  Corey and I were out front among the other single speeders just behind the lead group, and we would ride together for the entire first lap and the start of the second.  Muscular fatigue started to set in during the first few miles of the second lap (byproduct of the 34x19 gearing and a hot start), which forced me to slow down and let Corey go…singing T Swift or something as he passed.  I stayed in second place all the way until the top of the 38 Special descent, where Quin would pass me.  At first glance, I thought it was a geared rider because he was on a Scalpel, but as Quin passed I realized it was SS with a chain tensioner…awesome!  Now in third, I was determined to hold my position and catch back up to Quin.  Once I reached the Rick’s Basin area the motivation to finish under 9hrs was strong, and those last few miles were probably the strongest I’ve ever finished a race. 

SS Podium

Getting back to the déjà vu, I finished in third place like last year a few minutes behind Quin, and 20 minutes or so behind Corey.  It was also nice to see Brian and Andy supporting me at the finish! Not a bad way to celebrate a birthday, time to drink some Idaho double IPA and rest up for the Park City P2P.  

Now I just need a belt for it!