The 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo is a mountain biking event like no other. It has grown into the largest 24 hour race in the world and over 5,000 people accumulate in the Arizona desert north of Tucson for this “Burning Man of Mountain Biking”. Old Town, as the temporary community is called, is complete with vendors of all kinds, music, street signs, water tanks, port-a-cans, shower facilities, rescue and safety personnel, and every kind of tent and RV imaginable. This year, Old Town was also the home of the biggest MMC Village to date.
We had over 25 folks in the MMC Village. We had racers and non racers. We had folks in big RV rigs and we had folks in tents. We had relay teams and solo competitors, single speeders and geared, fast and not so fast, young and not so young. We had folks that rode the dangerous section of trail aptly called the “Bitches” and others that did the by-pass. Some did the “rock drop”, some went around. As you can guess, we had a little bit of everything……..But, most importantly, we had a village of friends supporting, caring and helpful friends.
T
his concept of “friends supporting friends” is what makes our MMC crew so amazing. It doesn’t matter whether you are fast or slow, competitive or not so competitive, or even there for the racing. Our MMC crew is a team of just plain great folks. Perhaps the highlight of the event was when someone came up to Jamie Brown (one of those great MMC folks) and told her what a nice group of people the MMC crew were. How proud does that make you!!!!!
Yes, we got some folks up on the awards podium and we had some great racers, but mostly we had a great time being together as the MMC Village. Rain, mud, sleep deprivation, and even, cactus thorns were all overshadowed by the great fun and support we all shared. Well done team!!!!!!!! Pedal well,
– Harry
p.s. Don’t forget that being a part of the MMC Ride Crew is as easy as signing up and paying a one time registration fee (the swag you get is worth more than the registration). Fast, slow, young, old, experienced or newbie to cycling…..none of that matters. Just bring a smile, your enthusiasm and join the MMC Village.
