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#kingsroad and #tallytango are excellent events offered by #singletracksamurai @singletracksamurai @ruthworkssf @erikhillard support these further talented folks and follow them as we have trail maintenance crew members that dedicate hours and hours. Bag makers, event samurais and so much more. Visit these folks! https://www.instagram.com/p/CjT3XpxuCwa/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
Fun designs. @singletracksamurai #singletracksamurai #patchgame (at Falls Creek Outfitters) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJJBBd5F3IE/?igshid=pu6qhap4ohfn
Yes, I Can, HuRaCan!
The Huracan 300 (2018) patch. I achieved this just by showing up, but now I wanted to earn it by finishing.
Sitting in the Sunoco on 41 just outside Dunnellon, eating a cold, open-faced Cuban sandwich that I found in their refrigerator case. It was Sunday around 11:30am and I had 40 miles left to the finish—35 of it was the epic singletrack of Santos. It had been 50 miles on this last push, and 75 since my last resupply. The sandwich didn't look great, but the sea salt & vinegar chips were amazing, and it was all doing the job.
Joe Wharton pulled up about 20 minutes after I had gotten there. I had seen him, well someone, didn't know who at the time, about 30 miles back in the Citrus WMA, and tried to put some distance between us. He had caught up to me to now, but I had gotten a longer break and time to eat.
He explained how his knees were hurting and how it was hard to even clip in or out on his bike. Then he asked who was ahead of us and said that I thought it was only KG and Jason Murrell. I told him how KG, Jason, and Shey Lindner, and I had been riding together through Croom when I let them go, but then came across Shey grabbing a nap. Joe then said, "No, Jason is behind me. I saw him sleeping in Croom also."
So, wait? KG is ahead (or probably done already) and the only person that I know is near me is hurting? The ridiculous, crazy thought of 2nd Place crept into my mind, or maybe KG had stopped somewhere also?
Suddenly, it was time to get moving.
So, to understand how I got here, let me go back...
I first signed up for Huracan in 2014. The Huracan 300 Challenge is an off-road, self-supported, endurance experience around Central Florida. The route features almost 100 miles of singletrack, many remote miles of double track forest roads and abandoned paths, and a few miles of pavement here-and-there. During the route riders, cross numerous forests, The Cross Florida Greenway, two mountain bike parks and miles of some of Florida’s longest and hardest climbs. Yes, Florida has climbs.
Okay, I think I have everything on there... and I mean, EVERY. THING. (2014)
Karlos seeing everyone off in 2014.
Before that, I had never ridden more than 75 miles and I was going to ride over 300. What could possibly go wrong? An improper fit on my bike, 38º temperatures, oh, and more importantly, unprepared physically, made my goal unachievable. I made it through 140 miles of it but had no problem pulling out as my neck was in pain and inflamed. My wife, Gina, came and picked me up. (DNF: Medical)
At about mile 20... No kidding! (2014)
Gina on search and rescue duty. (2014)
Strava results from HuRaCaN 2014 attempt
In 2015, I decided to start where I had left off the year before in Clermont. The schizophrenic conditions of the 2 mile stretch of Water Rd took me 2.5 hrs to get through the unavoidable deep puddles and soul sucking sugar sand. Then I crossed the chest high Devil’s Creek buck naked with my shoes and clothes in a garbage bag on top of the bike over my head with a gator less than 20 feet away.
Strava results from HuRaCaN 2014 attempt
Water Rd. FML (2015)
A little skin to win at Devil's Creek crossing. (2015)
Around 110 miles in, in the 12 miles of Croom and in the dark, my GPS had no idea where I was. It was spinning like the second hand on a watch. I was so frustrated after seeing the same location three times that I just cracked. 4.5 hours later I came out of Croom and then got into a soft sand segment that I couldn't find the route again. So, at 116 miles, I was done. I was 2 miles from the Lake Lindsey Mall control where Gina was waiting just to cheer me on. Again I called her to come get me. My mind was done. This was my most disappointing DNF. (DNF: Let's call it Mental)
Strava results from HuRaCaN 2015 attempt
For the 2016 Huracan, I started out really well, great pace, but then some familiar foes reared their heads again. As I rolled around Lake Apopka, I could feel my neck tightening up again. It had become so inflamed that I couldn't raise my head to see where I was going. Not good for riding. So again, I pulled out and Gina was there. (DNF: Medical)
Making sure my bike and I had a good night sleep before the HuRaCaN
Ready to head out on HuRaCaN 2016
Strava results from HuRaCaN 2016 attempt
In April of 2016, Harry Malecki and I went to ITT the Huracan, I hadn't been feeling well even prior to starting, by the time we got to Lake Lindsey Mall around 80 miles, I was not doing well. Couldn't eat anything. I was about to call an Uber when I joked with a guy at the store about paying him for a ride in his truck back to Santos, he took the offer. (DNF: Illness)
Harry and I getting ready for a HuRaCaN ITT.
Strava results from HuRaCaN 2016 ITT attempt
I wasn't able to make it to the 2017 Huracan, having just opened Riders Only Bike Shop just a couple of days prior. This was tough because I was in the best shape and coming off a good ride in the CFITT.
I still wanted to do it my way—straight through, AFAP, not bikepacking—however, I was starting to think the completion of the Huracan wasn't in my cards. But, the route kept calling my name. The Huracan was my white whale.
This year, 2018, I decided to give it one last shot.
I’ve become very studious in my approach to these rides. I like to know what’s coming up, distances to/from points, terrain, weather forecasts and conditions, wind direction. Pouring over Google Earth at the tightest zoom. Watching the group page for tidbits of info from pre-ride reports and photos from the route. My gear selection which is always changing. Less is more... faster. Yet, always bring the essentials for safety, security, mechanicals, hydration, and nutrition.
Most of that research I'd do was in place of what others call "training". Being well-prepared can take you far, but when it comes down to it, you still have to ride the route. So, I began riding my bike more. I didn't want to lose the fun of riding through the traditional heart rate zone or interval training model. So, I still do my same exploring rides, just faster, and I still stop to take an occasional pic or selfie.
With some potential work travel conflicts, the added expense of additional nights in a hotel and the care of our dogs, we decided Gina would stay home. This time, I'd be on my own and have to rely on Uber, AAA tow service (they take bikes), or random strangers for a bailout ride. I had stopped posting when I was doing this ride because I felt badly about my failures and didn't want to deal with the disappointment, or worse, pity, from this that have followed me on these rides.
The morning of the race came and all was going smoothly—had a good breakfast at Cracker Barrel, all my gear was on the bike and ready to go, vehicle was parked... I. was. ready.
The Dawn of the HuRaCaN 2018
Mmmm... Cracker Barrel Breakfast of Champions!
Usual suspects and cast of characters.
Molly Rider is ready to go! Her human, Charlie, and the Smile & Wave Tandem Team don't look like they're in a hurry.
After a final pep talk and last minute housekeeping items, Karlos had us all start at 9:00am in a neutral roll-out peloton with a 10 minute time bonus.
Preach Singletrack Samurai, preach.
The start went smoothly but just one mile in, a few out in the lead took the wrong way. Then some of the new leaders missed a turn in Marshall Swamp. Gotta always be aware of your course line.
Neutral rollout into a stead pace line.
Red clay roads heading toward the bombing range.
By MM43, we had reached Control Point 1: Shockley Store and it was down to just four of us: KG, Shey, Andy Roberts, and myself. Shey needed to go inside, while KG and I said we were good just taking pics and going, Andy decided to stay with us. That may have been a mistake.
Check Point #1: Shockley Country Store quick pic & pedal.
Around MM68, Andy asked what our plan was for the next stop. Apparently, he was out of water. He and KG stopped at the game check station coming out of Seminole Forest. Now I was alone out off the front.
Out front alone for a bit. Wouldn't last long.
About 5 miles later, KG caught up to me for a little HAB to start the Rock Springs Run segment. No sign of Andy or Shey. As we made our way toward the Wekiva River Crossing, Suddenly, Shey was right on my tail. At MM86, the Party on Wheels camp was set up for all just before you needed to make the crossing.
Ski-ji notified us of an en route reroute. Apparently, Lake Louisa didn't want us going through.
In Apopka, we hit an out-of-business Circle K (MM98) as Control Point #2, then refueled down the street at the old Control Point #2, a well-stocked and open 7-11. I had only drank one of my bottles—we were at MM102. I figured I had better start watching my hydration whether I felt I needed it or not.
Control Point #2: Circle K [CLOSED] - BOO! Time to find supplies elsewhere.
Refueling at the OLD Control Point 7-11.
As we rolled on, we met up with Jason and Andy, but only for a couple of blocks as they peeled off to find some resupply themselves.
KG, Shey, and I rolled through the Lake Apopka levee and then tackled the hills of Clermont. At MM143, we hit up the last store we'd pass on route for the next 70 miles. Hydration refills (Powerade and Diet Coke) and a couple of slices of pizza—so much YUM! Any food tastes amazing out on these long rides. With full bottles and bellies, we rolled on to Control Point #3: Epic Cycles.
Control Point #3: Epic Cycles in Minneola
We were able to traverse my old nemesis, Water Rd, without much incident. We dealt with the continuous monotony and occasional washboard of Green Swamp, then finally to Ridge Manor (MM210). After 30 minutes of 2:00am grazing and refueling, we were about to pull out when Jason rolls up. He didn't even bother to go inside, decided to hang on to us as we made our way to the 20 miles of singletrack in Croom. KG mentioned to me, "Jason is going to kill us in the singletrack."
Oh, Water Rd., why so angry? (photo: Jheremy Zetan)
As we got into Croom, I fell back a little bit having issues with my light's intensity and being able to see around corners. Plus my anti-fog glasses were fogging up. However, I was able to catch back up to the other 3 and we were just crushing the trail. Things started to get a little silly in Drunken Monkey, so I backed off the throttle for self-preservation. We regrouped one last time and the route was difficult to follow, but once I track, that was the last time we'd all be together on this ride.
A little while later, as I mentioned earlier, I came across Shey taking a nap. The last 9 miles of Croom took me 2 hours as I was battling the Sleep Monster. I was falling asleep on the bike while riding, so I'd get off and walk the bike for a while, then occasionally stand resting my head on my seat, then get moving again. It was too cold for me to completely stop for a longer rest, so I just kept pushing where I could. Eventually, as the sun was starting to come up, I was able to break away from sleep's siren call and get a second wind to keep going. Again, I had avoided one of my previous demons.
More awake now and rolling again. Good morning, Sun(day).
At Control Point #4: Lake Lindsey Mall, all was quiet just before 8:00am. I had just gotten a text from Gina saying how good I was doing. The Mall wasn't open yet, so I decided to continue on another 40 miles to the Sunoco.
Oh, Lake Lindsey Mall how I would've loved to have had one your amazing sandwiches. Next time!
So, there we were, Joe and I, with 40 miles left, 35 of it is the Epic Trail of Santos. The rain had started as we rolled out together and immediately I put on a faster pace, rode most of the short firebreak sections, and couldn't even see him 2 miles behind me as I entered the Pruitt TH to start the Santos singletrack to the FINISH.
The Pruitt Memorial (aka "Stonehenge") at the western start of the Tricycle Trail.
As I got about half way through the 8 miles of the Tricycle trail, the thought crossed my mind that Shey and Jason were back there somewhere, and so was Joe. I started to pick up the pace. As I crossed Hwy 200, sure enough, right behind me rolls in Jason and Shey. The thought of FML and my audible, joking groan of "Damn, you guys!" was followed by me tearing off on Ern N Burn.
The consistent downpour made the roots, rocks, and wood features pretty sketchy. I had slowed down to a crawl as I was also battling a pain in the ass. Literally. Especially when getting off the saddle hurt as much as sitting down. So, I let Shey and Jason go by and never saw them again.
As I meandered through Nayls Trail, Joe caught up and told me, "I got a second wind" as I let him pass by.
I had been telling myself that my goal was just to finish. With so many DNFs, I was happy with finishing. I told others that if all goes well, a 36 hour time would feel pretty good. Then 2nd Place had sounded really good but after Jason and Shey had passed me, 4th would do just fine.
Now here was Joe, so now I was about to settle for 5th. I decided I didn't want 5th, I didn't want to just finish, I at least wanted 4th. I had come this far, I needed to fight for it. It was there for me to take. Or to take back.
Quick stop under the 49th St overpass during the rain to try to fix my Garmin Oregon 650t that seemed to think every raindrop was a touch. sigh
I finished Canal Diggings, and then smashed through the rough limestone paths of Christmas, over the Landbridge, and caught Joe just after that. I was flying and I think the angry bees sound of my I9s startled him as he moved over to let me pass. I would never see him again on this ride.
The rain actually made the trails really fast. The puddles filling the middle of the trail allowed you to rail the berms in the turns. Through Spider Kingdom and Dog Bone and Pine Tree to the Trailhead, straight to the pavilion, rolled up next to one of the tables and collapsed onto it.
Sunday, February 4, 2018, 5:07PM
I was done—literally and figuratively. Finishing at 5:07pm for a distance of 330 miles and a time of 32 hours and 7 minutes and with the 10 minute time bonus 31:57. (Or as Karlos likes to see it: 01:07:57)
This was the best smile I could muster after 330 miles. I don't look happy, but I was.
I wasn't sure if or when I would be able to muster the strength to stand up again, but it took me about 20 minutes. Gina texted me a few minutes after I collapsed, but I couldn't muster the strength, wherewithal, or even get my soaked phone screen to unlock. I wished she had been there. She deserved it just as much as I did. I couldn't do any of these without her love, support, and encouragement.
I finally regained my composure and ability to share our final results with her.
The aftermath from the Huracan, luckily all just washed off.
I tried to wait for Joe to congratulate him in person, but being soaked to the bone and starting to shiver, encouraged me to get back to my truck.
I took a long hot shower in the campgrounds and then crawled in the back of my truck to sleep for 5 hours. Then around midnight, I headed home.
Strava results from HuRaCaN 2016 COMPLETION
To those who support, watch, encourage all of us before, after, and especially during... THANK YOU!! You have no idea what it means. It can wake us up. It can reinspire. It shows that someone cares enough to watch. Hopefully, these events inspire you in some small way to go out and try something crazy on a bike.
Messages from your loved ones and friends can easily add miles to your legs and increase your mph average. Keep 'em comin'
Finally, congrats to everyone that even toes the line of these events. You are all an amazing community of daredevils, thrill seekers, wanderers, heroes, rockstars, bad asses, and rebels — and I salute you all. Can't wait to see everyone again.
HuRaCaN HeRoEs (photo: Sarah Kyle)
Cleared the southwest corner... So far so good. #OffRoadRando #singletracksamurai #TeamSamurai #HuRaCaN300 #CFiTT #AdventureByBike #salsacycles #TeamSamurai (at Ocklawaha, Florida)
Independence day rando is now in session. The honorable singletrack samurai is presiding. It will be me and my shadow vs the forest. Start time is 825am. #singletracksamurai #OffRoadRando #TeamSamurai
Tarps.... Bikepackers.. If you haven't played with one you should... This past weekend... I brought my tarp on my family summer trip... And when it stormed the second night... I used my hammock straps... Spare caribiner and stretchy belt to create enough space for everyone, five people, to sit and hang out while it rained... Let's see you bivvy or your tent pull that off... #protip #bikepacking #singletracksamurai #msr
Can't resist a path venturing into the forest.... Took a double track in Lake días that led to a singletrack that led to a number of fishing holes and picnic spots...took more trail back to the main lot... The look on the folks faces when a guy on a #GiantPropel pops out of the woods pedaling past playing some #immortaltechnique #OffRoadRando #singletracksamurai #TeamSamurai #AdventureByBike
Takes an amazing amount of skill to take a #selfie, while riding your #GiantPropel on #roadslikethese and still manage to clothes your eyes for the shot... #jediskills #OffRoadRando #singletracksamurai #TeamSamurai #AdventureByBike
