Allamuchy Endurance Mountain Bike Race

by Chris Marko
2002 August 24, 25

It rained for the first time in the 9-year history of the 24 Hours of Allamuchy Endurance Mountain Bike Race (www.24hoursofallamuchy.com), held Aug. 24-25 at the Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation near Andover, N.J. Approximately 450 competitors raced from noon Saturday to noon Sunday for prizes in one of several divisions, including solo, 2-person, 4-person, 5-person and corporate teams.

Our four-woman team, Spin Sisters, the divisional winner last year, reunited to include veterans Chris Marko, Karin Weber and Gayle Edgerton, and race newcomer Diana Hulboy of OutRiders Philadelphia.

The 10.5 mile course was in superb condition during Friday's camp preparation and pre-ride. However, by the start at noon on Saturday we were contending with slippery, treacherous trail conditions caused by heavy morning rain showers and ongoing drizzle.

The Spin Sisters team was off to a fast start, leading three other women's teams throughout the day on Saturday. However, disaster struck for our team when Diana slipped off a slimy wooden bridge several miles from the finish of her first lap, sustaining a leg injury. She was able to complete the lap and pass the baton to our next rider, but then spent the rest of the afternoon and evening at Hackettstown Memorial Hospital getting too many stitches to count.

With Diana out of the race and me temporarily gone with her to Hackettstown, Gayle and Karin were left to ride a double mini-rotation, and were out on the course when the heavy rain and thunderstorms hit that evening. They had each ridden 21 miles when we finally returned to camp and I was able to re-join the rotation after dark. Although the heavy rain had ended, fog and bog settled in overnight, with abysmal trail conditions that included deep mud holes, slick un-rideable uphills, slimy rocks/roots, and very low visibility, even with headlights.

Because we were down to three very tired riders and the trails were dangerous and slow, our team of experienced mountain bikers made the decision to suspend the relay from midnight to daybreak. At that time continuing the race wasn't worth the risk of injury, and we thought, with a little rest, we might have the speed and experience to come from behind in the morning.

The other all-woman teams proved too strong and determined, they each remained intact and rode bravely throughout the night. We were unable to make up our significant time loss and finished fourth of four, but were nonetheless satisfied with the experience and our efforts.

Look for another 24 Hours of Allamuchy race report this time next year!