There's one wonderful thing about 24 Hour races that is not often discussed. Something I always look forward to as much as all the other, oft-shared adventures. Besides the exhaustion and fun and pain and joy, there’s one beautiful element that always has me awestruck throughout the entire weekend of a 24 hour race: It’s the fact that anyone gets to ride the same course at the same time as the very best in 24 hour racing. It’s like a weekend, rec-leaguer stepping onto the hardwood at Staples against Kobe. The pub-links duffer stepping up and teeing off at Augusta right in front of Arnie. I mention a legendary player like Arnold Palmer because my last race had me kicking up dust right next to no less than one of my idols, Tinker Juarez. Sure, he passed me like I was standing still at least 3 times in that 24 hour period, and I was more an obstacle than a competitor, but it doesn’t make it any less awesome – in the truest sense of the word. And as a solo, single-speed racer it's not uncommon to get cheers and a pat on the back from other pros as well…yes, as they passed me right up. So in short, at one time out there, there’s the best of the best. And the people who’ve focused their life on this for months. And there’s me. And for a few glorious minutes while you’re toeing the line, waiting for the gun to go off, you’re all equals. Anything can happen. And it does. For one, great day. - Brian
