24 Hours in the Old Pueblo Retrospective
The 2024 edition of the country’s biggest mountain bike race is done and dusted. Training through the winter months and hauling gear out to Arizona from New York City was a big task, now it’s time to kick our feet up, pull another shot of espresso, and reflect on what was an absolute must-do event for all offroad bike riding enthusiasts.
Pre-race vibes on Friday were high. Alexey Vermeulen, a regular at this race, was on site at the Orange Seal tent introducing his very cute pupper to anyone who stopped to chat. The ranch manager for Willow Springs Ranch, the hosting private land of the race, also welcomed riders during the captain’s meeting.
The race
For those that missed our preview, the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo is an endurance mountain bike race that takes place in the desert an hour north of Tucson. “24 Hour Town” is somewhat akin to Black Rock City of Burning Man infamy – RVs and campers descend on Arizona and create a makeshift town all centering on the race expo. People come out as early as the Monday before the race to hang out and ride in the desert.
Photo credit for these overhead shots and the splash photo go to Sportograf.
The race itself started Saturday at noon with a gunshot and Le Mans style running start. Riders then try to complete as many laps of a 16.8 mile course in 24 hours. You must finish after 12noon on Sunday to avoid a DNF.
The course
The best and worst part of 24HOP is the course. It’s a pretty easy course as far as riding mountain bikes go. The first half is hardly technical besides the jumps and washes of the Gasline trail, in a word – it’s fast. It’s “haul ass” fast. The second half requires some practiced cornering skills but riders are still on the pedals nearly the entire time. The last five minutes of each lap include a somewhat more challenging rocky descent into a rock-drop feature before picking up speed and flying through 24 Hour Town to the exchange tent.
To someone completely green to riding mountain bikes and riding a slightly dated hardtail, the course was super doable. However, after doing about five laps, it’s no longer terribly exciting. The repetition of the course makes the race a true feat of endurance and focus rather than mountain bike skill. Drift off for a few seconds and you may find yourself in a cholla. No bueno.
The rundown
Our buddy Adam from Utah is no stranger to Le Mans starts after competing in the wild Singlespeed Cyclocross World Championships so he gladly put his hand up to take on the true XC race speed of the first lap. I felt relieved, even though with my running background, I likely had the best shot of winning the Le Mans run and the prized AHHA Toaster bike rack.
After Adam’s lap, we rotated with 1-lap stints with Hannah going next, me following, then our friend Cole. Adam won the prize of the dusk laps and did two to start the night. I did two laps, finishing at 10:30pm. I took the coldest “hot” shower of my life and shook uncontrollably getting back into some street clothes before chugging some hot cocoa. Staying on top of fueling and granting yourself small luxuries at camp is key to having the best time in 24 Hour Town.
Hannah took over from me and our laps slowed in the growing campfire smoke and gnawing cold. Cole climbed out of his bivvy for the graveyard shift and was greeted with less than ideal AQI and frozen toes. Adam then put a lap in just before daybreak. I climbed out of my tent at 5, put in two laps starting just before dawn, the first of which I was totally blinded by a pale yellow sun any time the trail pointed east. Hannah met me at the exchange at 8:30 and the team traded a few more laps until Cole brought us home just after noon.
Camp
When we reached 24 Hour Town on Friday, it was already packed to the gills with campers. Since we would be car camping, we decided to check out “the Shire” which was three quarters of a mile from the exchange tent. It ended up being a great place to set up for the weekend, just far enough from the constant hum of the generators. While we didn’t get too friendly with our sparse neighbors, we were right on the course and comfortable all weekend long.
Ariana cooks breakfast on Saturday.
Conclusion
Registration of 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo opens late Fall and I think most East Coast based mountain bike riders would love a break from winter to come out to race. It was a great way to stay motivated through the “off season” and keep the threshold topped up for spring and summer goals.
If and when we return, we think renting an RV from Tucson would be the best way to experience the race. Simplifying the logistics plus providing an indoor space for people to change and shower would be crucial to getting through the night in style.
Put it on your bucket list and check out Epic Rides to pre-register!
High noon at the Rock Drop on Sunday as riders came in to the finish was truly bliss. We’ll see you next time, 24 Hour Town!
Espresso addict, soigneur, endurance enthusiast. Racing bikes for TBD and wrenching/fits at ACME Bicycles.
