Kaibab Monstercross
May 16th was the Kaibab Monstercross. As mentioned in previous posts, there are a number of new ‘underground’ endurance races happening this year. Dave C in AZ was putting this one on. I’ve gotten to know Dave through these events. I wanted to support his take on things. Some unique aspects of this one had my interest level high, too. The race would take place on the North Kaibab Plateau. A lot of Forest Service roads, and some nice singletrack were on tap. Distance was looking to be around 130 mi. I was guessing elevation gain to be minimal, and the riding to be fast. This was all to be determined though.
‘Monstercross’ in the name, some limited experience riding in the area, and gathered info/ rumor about the course gave me lots of ideas on equipment. I had discovered that my (26” SS) frame and fork can just barely fit a 700c wheelset with tires up to 45mm. Being the geek that I am, I was excited to try this. Skinny, hard tires presented barely enough of a challenge, so I convinced myself to go with a bigger gear then I’d usually consider. Since my fancy wheels would be so fast, I’d be able to push the bigger gear… So the late night thinking went. Other tricks were the course directions written in special shorthand and taped all the way down my top tube, and a computer so I could follow them. I decided to go light with supplies, count on filtering water, and getting by with minimal food. Lights didn’t seem necessary.
Here’s what some other folks brought to the race.
We lined up early Saturday morning. Temperatures were higher than I’d have thought for the elevation. The early riding was just as I expected. Very fast, well maintained FS rds. I ended up at the front with Dave H. I wasn’t trying to push it, but my gear choice meant a fairly high speed at a comfortable cadence. Soon enough Dave opened a gap. I could only pedal so fast, so there wasn’t much I could do. My computer read 29.5mph as he disappeared around the corners ahead. Soon after, Brian from CA came up from behind and we rode together toward the Rainbow Rim trail. I lost him on another fast downhill section, but I wasn’t worried, as the average speed was still high. A wrong turn, a visit to the Morman handcart group’s camp, and a flat tire put me back in touch with the bigger part of our group. I was able to get back ahead of this group soon. Ahead though, the Rainbow Rim trail had some tricks up it’s sleeve. I had ridden the AZ trail on the east side of the plateau, and mistakenly thought the RR would be similar. A lot of loose rocks and a few steep short climbs started to expose weaknesses in my bike setup. After some back and forth with (former pro racer) Dara M, I got back onto the FS rds. with only Dave H and Brian ahead of me. There was more climbing (and wrong turns) ahead than I was expecting. My fitness may not have recovered from the Grand Loop. I certainly over estimated myself with my gear choice. Either way, I was now walking a lot more of the hills than I would have liked.
By the time I hit hwy 67 (approx 80mi), I was in a small group with four other riders. There is a store nearby, and I headed straight for it. Dave C was already there. He had got ahead of our group, but was getting ready to head up the highway to the finish (DNF). I was now planning the same thing, so he came back to the store with me. Unfortunately, neither of us had money to buy the soda, and ice cream needed for these situations. I convinced the store keeper to let me call Susan and do a phone order for the treats. Of course, no answer at home. Right in the nick of time Dara and her husband Troy rolled up with cash to rescue us. The four of us along with Blair from AZ decided to call our day done, and ride up the highway toward camp. There was still 25mi of highway, and 9mi of singletrack ahead of us, so this was not exactly quitting as usual. Mark from NM, and Mary from CA were at the store with us, but headed back onto the course to finish. I felt a little weak, since Mark was riding similar wheels/ tires as me, but they were mounted to a fixed gear ‘cross bike!
We made it back to camp before the racers still on course. This meant 12hrs plus for the fastest time. I had guessed 9-10hrs prior to the start! Dave H and Brian ended up as the only finishers. 12+hrs for Dave, 13+hrs for Brian. Moab’s Craig Tuttle missed some of the course, but rode further than any of the non-finishers to place third! Dave H’s GPS read a little over 130mi, and 15,000ft plus of climbing.
Considering I had finished the Grand Loop only 11 days before, I didn’t mind not finishing. It was fun to give things a try. I will be excited to come back, with better equipment of course, and give it a better try. As far as I’m concerned, this is a big part of the future of endurance mountain biking events.
