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!"