24HOP - Back At It!

Yeah, you go back, Jack, do it again,

Wheels turning round and round,

You go back, Jack, do it again.

Do It Again, Walter Becker & Donald Fagen (1972).

Deep into the night, much closer to sunrise than sunset, winding through a cholla forest
on yet another lap at the 2024 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo.
(image by SportoGraf.com)

I'm going back, Jack!

The 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo last winter was just too much fun. I loved everything about it. See, 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo-Back At It; 24 HOP-Sticker Smiles; 24 HOP-Race Report; 24 HOP-Whiskey Tree; 24 HOP-People Make The Place. And a post about the experience of Tyler Pearce (vlogger VC Cyclist) as a first time solo racer. What A 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race Feels Like.

To have a chance to return in 2025, I had to decide now, over 4 months before the event, as the field fills notoriously quickly once registration opens. So, at 6 am Arizona time on October 1, I stood at the ready to take a shot at scoring a solo entry. Every step required several minutes to process and a fair amount of patience, but I received entry confirmation about 15 minutes later. I'm in! About 50 minutes later, the field filled and registration closed. 

Still smiling on my second lap at the 2024 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo.
(image by SportoGraf.com)

This year, I'd like to extend the experience beyond the race itself. On the Tuesday before race weekend, I plan to set up my camp and help the organizers with venue set up. I also volunteered for the early packet pickup in Tucson on Wednesday and as a greeter at venue check-in on Thursday. On Friday, I plan to connect with other racers and re-connect with some folks I met last year. Then Saturday noon to Sunday noon, it's race time.

Today, it's all fun memories and excited anticipation. Tomorrow, it's time to amp up my riding, with but 19 weeks to race weekend.

2025 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo. Can't wait.

Do It Again, Steely Dan (1972).