Explore the West, Southern California
Teams Finish
Karen / 10.09.2006
It has been official for 3 hours, local elite racer Ted 'the tow truck' Devito had put the lid on a massive effort by crossing the finish line at 1:07 am, just after 19 hours of nonstop racing. Series leader Team Dart Nuun comes in 2nd overall (1 hr 40 minutes behind), and taking the win in the premiere 3 person co-ed division. Although they are different divisions, this was a 140km battle between these two 'teams'...non stop. Solo racer Paul Ablett arrived at the finish line 6 hours later in third place overall and the 2nd place solo. Paul was extremely pleased.
The last 6 hours of racing was the most fierce test of the race. The notorious Clark's Grade, a 3,000 foot sustained mountain bike climb, requiring only the biggest effort to climb. The Tow truck Devito had moments of suffering while leading the race. He was quoted 2 hours to climb, soaked in sweat and pale in 30 degree temps "this is a really great race, I'm on and off my bike a bit now." He looks over his shoulder and down the massive mountain for lights of Team Dart Nuun. They are 15 minutes back and moving well. Jen Ratay of Dart Nuun was quoted "you guys should charge more for this single track, unbelievable...I can't wait to bring my husband back to this place. It's unbelievable!"
This course will be remembered for it's miles and miles of extremely good single track, some along the Santa Ana River, and some along the mountainsides of these giant San Bernardino Mountains.
The real amazing story of the race, was Team Animal Tested. A 3 person plus a solo traveling together, at ages 16, 17 and 19...these kids had amazing attitude. In the heart of this enormous 24hr plus course, these guys pushed like veterans. Watch for this team to be a force to reckon with on the west coast.
Complete details and results on the Explore the West website coming soon.
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