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Team Wildcat Conquers 24 Hours Of Glen Helen – Weekend Warrior – Dirt Rider Magazine

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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

/></a> <p class="wp-caption-text"></p> </div> <p>Trepidation: “A state of alarm or dread; apprehension”You know that feeling when you get up to go to the gym or for a run when you don’t feel quite right? For that matter, what makes someone want to go out and run a marathon, bike 100 miles, do the ironman, especially if you have done it before? You dread heading out there and have memories of the pain and discomfort. But somewhere down deep you know you should go, and when it’s all over you can look back on it and know it was the right thing to do and that you will feel a sense of accomplishment when you are done.That was the general feeling of team Wildcat heading into the 2nd anniversary of our foray into the HYR 24 hours of Glen Helen. We did it last year, had a so-so result, due to far too many crashes and mechanical issues. Everyone could clearly recall the sleep deprivation and pain of heading out onto the brutal track with innumerable treacherous obstacles. But somewhere deep down, there was a recollection of the feeling of enjoyment in overcoming a challenge few face and overcome.During the mid-summer the emails started circulating. “Hey! 24 hours is coming up. Who’s in? What’s the plan? Do we have a bike? I am making travel plans.” The responses were somewhat less frequent and filled with a measured level of enthusiasm. As race day approached much of the same team was assembled. We still maintained the Tucson, University of Arizona theme, but not without some changes. In place were team captain, Kevin Carpenter, and veterans of the 08 effort Eric O’Hara, Cass Morgan, Andy Taylor, Mike “Loop” Looper and team newcomer Ash Vaughn. Unfortunately several members of the team were feeling less than optimal due to various maladies, but we knew we could adapt and overcome.As race day approached things started shaping up and lessons learned from last year were implemented. A punched out (to 290cc’s) KTM 250 XCF-W was provided by the good graces of Jimmy Lewis at Dirt Rider. Complete with a rewound stator and FMF full system Q-Stealth exhaust and Mega Bomb. Everyone welcomed the KTM hearing great things about this Champion’s edition bike and how it will be “perfect” for the demanding Glen Helen course. Dirt Rider also provided us with the most insane front headlight made by Trail Tech, a quick fill gas can, extra filter cage, Flex handle bars and a few other spare parts. We call Jay Clark from Dunlop and he was very happy to hook us up again with a couple of sets of tires. The guys at Pro Moto Billet provided us with factory looking hand guards, foot pegs and kickstand. Ready Racing provided the air filters needed for riding 24 hours straight. Cyclops provided two helmets lights we could rotate between riders and extra batteries. Things were shaping up!Although the graphics on this KTM were great, we decided on a new set of FMF Factory graphics with our personal Team Wildcat number 32A. FLU Designs hooked us up with these custom graphics on very short notice. The last few calls were made, EKS Brand goggles provided the entire team with goggles and tear offs and FMF hooked the riders and pit crew up with shirts and hats. We were now looking good! Most importantly a solid pit crew volunteered to do the hard part of the event, staying up all night and providing care and food for the team.Race Day! We all met for the first time at about 8am. Enthusiasm was high. We swarmed around our mount that we would be spending some ‘quality time’ with. Everyone beamed with excitement while examining the KTM. IT LOOKED SWEET!!! Last minute mods were made, bar adjusting, levers and a lowered seat to accommodate the 50% of the team that is height challenged and we were ready to go.After a seemingly never ending riders meeting detailing the 10+ mile course and all the hazards awaiting us, the team order was determined and discussion of the course was resumed. We would be going backwards from last year, which in theory was a good thing as we recalled the challenges of some of the hills and sections that would now be going the opposite direction. Some concern was raised by having to go through the enduro-cross section. Last year was a choice for each rider, endurocross or go through what felt like three hundred S turns to go around it. This year, a must for all riders! The logs were the nemesis of many last year, but then again everyone had to do it and we were up to the task. Last minute strategy was discussed. “Take your time. NO CRASHES!” <div><a href=/></a> <p class="wp-caption-text"></p> </div> <p>Race Time! Kevin would once again lead the team at the start, followed by Cass, Eric, Ashe, Andy and Loop. A well known military proverb is “No plan survives first contact with enemy.” Also “Murphy gets a vote” (as in Murphy’s Law, “If it can go wrong it will”). Kevin was undoubtedly the fastest rider on the team but he couldn’t beat Murphy on the start. Despite having an electric start we managed to be last off the line (starting while in gear is not recommended). No worries, Kevin did pass the majority of our row before getting back to the pits.Cass took off and everyone felt their adrenaline level increasing while anticipating the opportunity to get into the saddle. Kevin described the track as easier than last year but not without its challenges and places to be wary. Shortly after Morgan’s departure a friend of Team Wildcat came running toward our pit. “Cass is down!!!” Ok, he’ll get up. “NO, he is Knocked Out!” Crap! Murphy got us again. Hopefully this was not the beginning of a trend.Evidently Cass was victim number one of the endurocross section, deciding to jump out of the last set of tractor tires, getting sideways and landing on his melon, thus rendering himself unconscious. Eric ran down to make sure the bike was in running order and replaced Cass, of course realizing that his buddy was well cared for by the medical staff. Priority one was to keep going. Sorry Cass, priorities…..The track was great, amazingly smooth and rideable (that would change). Going in the opposite direction made many of the most difficult sections from last year achievable without an overbearing sense of trepidation. The endurocross section was somewhat easy at first but became more challenging with track wear. We had some early team concerns with Loop’s arm (he manned up and gave us a few laps), Cass’ early crash and a couple of sick riders……and its only 1:00 in the afternoon!There was some early concern throughout the pits. The thing about a race like this is there are many highs and lows. Finally, we started to settle into a great rhythm without the crash filled delays of last year. One factor was the heat. Unseasonably high temperatures drained energy and will to push that extra bit. Some actually found themselves looking forward to the sun setting and facing the challenges of darkness in exchange for relief from the 90+ temperatures.The big thing about the 24 hour race is when you fully realize how long it actually is. We planned to have each racer ride two laps before switching, which would be a bit less than an hour in the saddle and three to four hours of rest in between, if the plan held. Riding all day long, late afternoon…it hits you. Not even half way yet!Team Wildcat made it through the day without incident which was much better than last year. A few tip overs and minor delays but thanks to the rideability of the KTM and some luck we were on track to a good finish. We all enjoyed the course and the only setback was the number of team members feeling less than fresh. The two laps per rider plan went out the window. This would definitely come into play during the wee hours of the night when everyone wants as much rest as possible. Fortunately Cass, though not 100%, was cleared by the medical staff and soldiered on pulling his weight and putting in good lap times every time he got on the bike.Night Time: You see the sun set and start to realize that you will ride an equal amount in the dark as in the day. Conventional wisdom would lead you to believe that lap times would drop. But in this case technology has proven that wrong. The lighting systems of today are incredible; the Trail Tech light was amazing. Super quick change from the day light to night and no lighting incident all night! Armed with Cyclops helmet lights our lap times dropped insignificantly during the hours of darkness. Even with the fantastic night headlight, the helmet light is great for looking where the bike is not pointing, extra light, and of course back up in case of light failure. It was actually easier to see and avoid obstacles at night due to shadows. Many found some of their night laps to be the most enjoyable of the entire race. Coupled with the cooling temperatures this was arguably the most enjoyable part of the race for the team. <div><a href=/></a> <p class="wp-caption-text"></p> </div> <p>Pit Crew Status: Everyone gets tired. Your natural body rhythm says go to bed after a certain time. As racers this is one of the biggest challenges of the 24 hours. We try to grab some sleep here and there, but waking up and gearing up at 2AM is one of the most difficult mental challenges of the race. The pit crew faces the same mental difficulty. But unlike the racers, they don’t get the adrenaline rush that fuels the racer. They go on and on hour after hour, being there to support the team with fuel, tire and oil changes.Our pit crew did not miss a beat! Looper made the switch from rider to pit crew and was amazing. He along with Kyle and Skip completed tire, filter and gas fill up in a couple of minutes! Another true hero was Missy. She kept lap times, woke up racers when it was time to ride and was there for the entire race. Lap timing is extremely important, not sure how many times she was asked where we were on the watch for the all important rider changes and pit stops. She got the least amount of sleep and hung in there the entire time. Food and support from Kelly, Brianna and Melanie were vital. While the racers feel the pain and fatigue, endure the blisters, success in this race is dependent on those who provide the support.Dawn breaks: The sun starts to creep above the horizon about 5:30 and it is a sign of relief. Your body and mind wake up, but you have endured about 19 hours of punishment and salvation is still hours away. You can see again but that isn’t always a good thing. The course has become brutal! It looks much worse in the daylight. Whooped out rocky straight-aways and deep rutted silty turns await you at a time when you are completely spent. The math game begins. You look at the rotation and start figuring out how many times you will have to suit up and head out on the course. All I want is for this to be over. The one thing keeping you going is that the end is in sight.9AM: Key time. Each lap is taking us about 25 min. Where am I in the rotation? Will I have to ride again? I hurt, don’t want to go. Do I have to put on my gear AGAIN!!! Team Wildcat is hurting. Illness is catching up with several racers. Looper out, with wrist, Ashe sick and out, Cass post KO did his laps, so did Andy who was also sick and battling, but the finish is in sight. Kevin heads out. If he does his usual he will finish the race. Eric is in the on deck circle as Kevin heads out. “You can finish if you want. You are faster. I am here ready to go if you want me to finish it out”. I sat there in my gear with mixed emotions. I was in serious pain. Worst case of Monkey Butt I have ever had (thank you lowered “rock hard” seat); hamburger hands and just generally beat to hell. I was 50/50 as to going out again. I wanted to be the guy who finished the race, it is such a good feeling accompanied by the cheers of those assembled at the finish line. But man was I beat.I slumped in my chair awaiting Kevin’s arrival. Kevin comes in with goggles off, it looks like he is trading off to me…. I Really DO… NOT…. want to go out again. Seriously the track is beat to hell and I am a wreck. I take the bike and adrenaline takes over. I can see every nasty part of the track and carefully avoid it armed with hours of knowledge of where the difficulties are. As each mile and obstacle is passing, I am going faster and faster knowing that the true end is near. Despite being at my most tired and beat up this last lap proved to be one of the fastest and most enjoyable. Coming through the tunnel for the last time and seeing the checkered flag ahead I feel a profound sense of accomplishment. I finished the challenge! I was the last one! I got the checkers! The pain is irrelevant. I have accomplished something many never attempt. I feel all the rewards that I knew were at the end of our journey.The bike was simply amazing! One flat is all we had besides the normal tire and filter changes. This bike was running as good on the final lap as it was when we started this race and really just an absolute blast to ride! The 24 hours is unique, a challenge unlike anything else in our sport. It is a test of endurance coupled with ability. I won’t be able to compete next year because I will be in Japan and am uncertain of the future of Team Wildcat. But when I come home I will do it again, I know what it entails, the pain, the suffering, the trepidation of taking on such a challenge. But the satisfaction of finishing the challenge is definitely worth it. I feel certain that around June or July of 2010 the emails will start circulating again. Who knows, I may find a way to be back stateside around October…<strong>Special thanks to the pit crew:</strong><br /> Mike Looper (and sons Jake & Tommy), Skip Carpenter, Kyle Castro, Missy O’Harra<strong>Pit/Food Support:</strong><br /> Kelly Carpenter, Brianna Taylor, Melanie Taylor, Katy Carpenter<strong>Photographers:</strong><br /> Andy Marsh<br /> Dan Herchek<br /> Kelly Carpenter<strong>Team Wildcat</strong><br /> Kevin Carpenter<br /> Andy Taylor<br /> Eric O’Harra<br /> Ash Vaughan<br /> Cass Morgan<br /> Mike Looper<strong>Sponsors</strong><br /> Dirt Rider Magazine (Bike, spare parts, support) – <a href="" rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:window.open(www.dirtrider.com
Taylor Creative (story, photos, man hours) – www.tayloreativeco.com
FMF (Full system pipe and bomb, pit crew shirts and hats) – www.fmfracing.com
FOX (gear) – www.foxracing.com
EKS Brand Goggles (enough goggles & tear offs for 24 hours) – www.thexbrand.com
Cyclops (Helmet Lights and batteries) – www.cyclopsmotorsports.com
FLU Designs (Custom graphics and number backgrounds) – www.fludesigns.com
Ready Racing Filter (enough filters for 24 hours) – www.readyracing.com
Dunlop (2 sets of tires) -www.dunlopmotorcycle.com
Glen Helen – (hosting an organized well run event and help with entry) – www.glenhelen.com
Pro Moto Billet/Fastway – (Hand guards, foot pegs, kickstand) – www.promotobillet.com
Race Rigz – (Race Van track support) – www.racerigz.com
Faast Company – (Handle Bars and bar pad) – www.fasstco.com
Trail Tech – (Extreme Race Light) – www.trailtech.netCheck out the track courtesy of Team Wildcat member Eric O’Harra:
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