Thousands head to Kona's 24 Hours of Old Pueblo

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Tucson resident Chloe Forsman will be anchoring the "Chloe (Image credit: Dave McElwaine/trailwatch.net)

Mountain biking seems to have returned to its roots with multi-day festivals becoming more popular every year. Not since the early days of the Sea Otter Classic and the Cactus Cup have we seen such enthusiasm in the ranks of recreational racers. This weekend's race in Tucson is a prime example.

Mountain bikers from around the world are arriving in Tucson, Arizona, to participate in the 12th annual Kona Bikes 24 Hours of Old Pueblo being held at Willow Springs Ranch. The organizer claims it is the largest 24-hour mountain biking event in the United States. While the event is called a "race", the festival atmosphere dominates, with many racers unconcerned about their placings, let alone winning the race.

1,850 participants plus up to 2,000 supporters and spectators and will be living in "24 Hour Town", a makeshift city filled with tents, campers, RVs, and people sleeping under the stars. The city will be buzzing with activity including round-the-clock barbecue, children playing frisbee, and spectators watching the race from the comfort of their lounge chairs. The race organization prides itself on the fact that this town leaves no trace whatsoever in the desert once the event is over.

Riders will enjoy a fast 16.1-mile Sonoran Desert course with spectacular views of Mount Lemmon and the Catalina Mountains. The terrain is rolling with a combination of hard pack, sand, and rock surfaces. The weather forecast is optimal, complete with a big full moon to aid with nighttime visibility. While the course is designed to be rideable for the hundreds of recreation racers, there are a few technical sections that should give the more experienced riders an option for more difficulty. But of course, there are usually longer go-arounds for the less adventuresome.

Top-level talent expected to toe the line includes returning solo champions Anthony "Ant" White (United Kingdom) and Michael Melley (Arizona). While Kona will not be sending a team this year, they are sending Cory Wallace. He is the current 24-hr Canadian national champion, was third at the 24-hour World Championships, and was second in the Trans Rockies stage race. He is a legitimate threat to win.

Mountain Bike Hall of Fame member Keith Bontrager (Trek Store San Diego) will be making a comeback after recent surgery on both his wrists. It will be his fifth time racing on the Old Pueblo course. With 70 24-hr races to his credit, Bontrager has also noticed the growth of these types of races. "To the extent that festivals are attracting riders...that's a good thing. It will be interesting to see if it helps cross country bikes make a comeback.

Ben Sonntag, winner of La Ruta de los Conquistadores, will be kicking off his 2011 training with a low-key effort at Old Pueblo. "I'll be racing in a five person co-ed team, mostly for fun and good training. It's a mixed team of professional racers, weekend master warriors, and some friends from Durango. It's a great escape from winter and a chance to get excited for the upcoming mountain bike race season.

Team leader Shannon Gibson said, "Stan's NoTubes will be back in cactus country for an early season roll in the cholla with a four-woman relay team that includes big guns Kathy Sherwin, fresh off the Cyclo-cross National Championship podium, and Zephanie Blasi, who is already tearing it up early season as a Tucson local, as well as Nina Baum and NoTubes development rider Kaila Hart in her first ever race as a pro."

"In terms of our strategy for the race, we pretty much intend to rock out as much as possible," she said. "That may or may not involve winning the race, but instead winning the 'we-had-more-fun-than-anyone-else-and-still-almost-won' category. My personal race strategy will be to not fall asleep during the late night laps, and not freak out when I come around a corner and encounter a giant cardboard alien in the middle of the night!"