Fairhurst says that the weather was very warm during the day of July 25, making hydration important. Rain settled in for a while through that evening, which Fairhurst says was almost nice after the heat of the day.
He adds that as hard as the race is physically, it is also very mentally demanding through the night hours, when you are riding alone with only your own thoughts to keep you going around each lap. "It certainly gets pretty lonely out there," says Fairhurst. He had competed in the team categories at the event before, but this was his first solo effort at this race.
Smith says he did better than he expected, as this was his first major endurance event. "It was tough, but it was fun," he says. "It was like riding a jackhammer for the last 12 hours."
The two riders were supported by their wives and family members at the event, who helped get them food and fluids, maintaining their bikes on the course, and providing important motivation throughout the race.
The event was held at the Canmore Nordic Centre, where Fairhurst says they have an excellent mountain bike trail system. The overall winner of this year's race was Australian Jason English, who completed 22 laps in 24 hours, 28 minutes, 6 seconds.
Fairhurst and Smith will be joining forces for the 2009 Transrockies race, which will take place from August 9 to 15 through B.C. and the Crowsnest Pass. They will represent the municipality, taking advantage of a free entry given to the Pass because of our position as a host community.
The race takes place in seven stages, beginning in Panorama, B.C., and will arrive in the Pass on August 14, leaving for the final stage to Fernie on August 15. The race totals 532 km, with 14,225 metres of elevation gain.