Last week Resh asked Rhett and I if we wanted to fill in with two opens spots they had for a eight man relay team (two of his teammates bailed at the last minute). We said yes, and I am so glad we did. It was a team made up through Resh's work so our jerseys said J Joyce and Associates. The race was called Salt to Saint. The relay started in Salt Lake at 10 am at This Is The Place Park it went through the night and ended up in St. George the next day. Each person had 3 legs of the race averaging about 60 miles per person. We took all of the back roads through the small towns, avoiding the main highway. Every team is in charge of your own support. We had Resh's car and his father-in-law Joe's car that we used as support vehicles and rides for everyone not taking a turn riding.
At every transition point we passed a tracker to the next rider. So when it was your turn you needed to be ready to go.
My night ride was a little freaky at first, not being able to see great. Soon the full moon came up and it made all of the difference. Half of my ride was also on a bike trail that went with the road. That was great because I didn't have to worry about pot holes or traffic. My chain came off on the trail in the dark, it took me about 5 minutes to get it back on, it was so hard to see.
Aside from the chain, that was the funnest ride I have ever had. Being a lone in the night with your music jamming. Knowing your support was close, cheering you on, it was invigorating.
Rhett's night ride started about two in the morning. It was cold and he had the canyon climb and then one of the biggest descents. Which in the day sounds fun but in the dark can be a totally different experience. He said there were a few times he almost ran into things he didn't see as he was coming down the mountain (going his normal fast speed).
Rhett and Resh did amazing. They took on a lot on extra miles that others didn't finish.
It was so great to see that sun coming up the next morning. It was a long cold night. Jo was great and rented a hotel room half way in the race for us to shower and freshen up. Defiantly one of my top ten best feeling showers!
Just a few transitions left. We were on the home stretch. No injuries and only one flat tire.
We did it! We made good time too, 422 miles in 24:27. We took 5th place in our devision, the 8 team mix.
This truely was a blast! I was more tired than I have ever been. Pushed myself harder than I ever have. And met some really great people. Thanks Resh for the invite.
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