TAILIN TINKER 24 HOURS
TAILIN TINKER 24 HOURS
Jon Paino
A friend asked me at the California State Cross Country Finals awards ceremony if I was considering upgrading my racing license next year. I was shocked to see the semi-pro times, even though I had just won the Expert Men 25-29 final. I would have been dead last in the semipro category. Racing is supposed be fun, competitive and challenging. Humiliation is not allowed.
As I began to plan my 2003 season the following week, I realized that this year was going to be different. Since 1999, I was an expert with Ellsworth Bicycles. A brief stint with Trek/VW Factory also helped me. I could not keep winning the same class. I sent in my NORBA upgrade and petition. I had to make major changes to my training program after this upgrade. I started to read all about cycling, fitness, nutrition and recovery. I also ordered and passed the France Cycling Club Coach exam. I currently coach about half a dozen athletes. I wanted to be a big player this season.
The serious training started in December, as planned. Being a father, husband and teacher at high school, I had to manage the demands of work and family before I could cycle. Every morning, I wake up at
Grannygear Productions revealed that they planned an event at Vail lake, Temecula, around January as event promoters published their event schedules. The venue is only five miles from my home. I discovered that they have a partnership with the American Lung Association, which allows riders to raise donations in lieu of entry fees. Wow! This sounds great! You can raise money for a cause, and you can join an elite group to claim that you completed a 24-hour race solo. It sounds great, but I couldn’t bring myself to sign up online. This would require some thought.
Being a former member of the Ellsworth pit crew, Jim Dover and Timari Pruis were my mentors, so I knew that having a good pit crew would be key to my success at an event like this. Also, I had to prove that I could ride a bicycle for 24 hours. Do it yourself, and then tell others who don’t know about events like these. Some of the reactions you’ll receive will be quite hilarious. Fundraising was, evidently, fun. So I registered and gave it a shot.
Because I’m a competitive person, I couldn’t imagine myself doing a 24-hour race. I wanted to compete. I was aware that I could not train for this event because of the California State Series races in March and Sea Otter Classic. My NORBA experience, solid pit crew and mental toughness were all important to me. These two elements are the most crucial to success in these events. This event taught me the most important lesson about myself: Never underestimate the power and influence of the mind over your body. I don’t think we realise the power we have.
After I registered, I kept an eye on the Grannygear website to see who was registering to compete with me. Around March, I felt pretty confident in my ability to compete. One day, I remember going to work and seeing 20 e-mails. These were from people I hadn’t heard from for a while. Each of them said the exact same thing. I found myself a bit nervous after reading through all twenty. Tinker Juarez had already registered for the Inaugural 24 Hours of Temecula. This was my national champion, an Olympian and a man who was the face of American mountain riding when I first started to ride. Race in my backyard? Is it against me? Was that what I was thinking?
To be competitive, and not feel embarrassed, I had to mentally prepare and build the best pit crew I could. Morgan Foster, former owner of Back Alley Mtn. and Amon Pease, a pro racer at Trek VW. Bikes, Wildomar (CA) was available to assist with any bike maintenance or unforeseen issues. Morgan and Amon had both been solo riders, so it was invaluable to have their expertise. Nicole, my wife, was responsible for fuel. She made sure that the pit crew was well fed and kept food flowing during the pre-set food breaks. John Rentar, a close friend and certified athletic trainer (sportsmedicine), works with injured high-school athletes in rehabilitation. He was a special guest for the crew. He was able to solve any medical problem that might arise during the race. He had eyewash available to clean off any dust or debris that had built up in my eyes. My knees felt like someone had pushed a knife through my joint with each pedal stroke. John was able to apply the right topical ointment between laps to relieve the pain. There were also about thirty people around my pit area at one time helping out with various aspects of the race. It was a great place to have a good time and meet new people. It is truly a team effort, and anyone who says otherwise is insane. A 24 hour event requires a team of riders to compete.
Tinker was setting up before the event began. I saw how he set it up, and knew I had to do a flawless race. I also had to keep my pit stops to an absolute minimum on a 12-mile course with 548.6m of climbing per lap. This course was not typical for a 24 hour race. Both the climbs and descents were technical and long. Grannygear is serious about stating that this course is not suitable for beginners. Nightfall revealed that this promoter was indeed named. My goal was to ride the entire event until nightfall, then continue riding lap after lap until it was over.
We all started running like crazy lunatics in our cycling shorts and stiff soled shoes at the sound of the gun. It was not the most flattering sight or thing to do. I finally got on my bike and started to navigate my way around the course. I kept reminding myself that I still have 24 hours to go. I need to slow down. Tinker was about half a mile ahead when I looked up the hill at the beginning of the first climb. I wanted to reply and try to catch him, but it would have been a bad decision, especially since it was so early in the race.
After a few laps, I was in second place, just behind Tinker. Although I didn’t want to be lapped, I knew it was inevitable. My pit stops were kept to a maximum of 5 minutes. If I took one, it was only for a few seconds. The best and worst moments of race were then witnessed on my fourth lap. Tinker passed me. Tinker flew past me at a speed I couldn’t believe and did a double-take at my number as if he knew who was passing. That was when I realized I was in the race. Tinker Juarez was the one who knew who was second. This was the most motivating thing that ever happened to me in a race. This was the moment I decided that I would not stop regardless of circumstance.
As the night fell, I realized that this stage was the most crucial. After changing my clothes and running the first laps, I found myself really enjoying it. I was enjoying myself, however, around
It was as if I had conquered a giant when the sun rose over the Vail Lake hills. I was able to make it through the night, and I couldn’t help but smile. I started talking to each rider who passed me like I had known them for many years. Every rider would tell me how amazing I was for riding with Tinker and doing as many laps of the course as possible. It felt great, even though it felt like Tinker was trying to put a bad ol’ whuppin on my head.
About
Ellsworth Bicycles built the Truth’s best full suspension race bike. Maxxis Tires kept me on the trail. I also want to thank my pit crew, IE Bikes, for their support and all those who participated or helped with this inaugural event. It was an amazing adventure that I will never forget.
24 HOURS OF TEMECULA RESULTS
SOLO
1. Tinker Juarez19 laps1 2. Jon Paino17 laps1 Mathew Chynoweth16 laps1
WOMENS SOLO
1. Marissa Brand12 laps1 2. Timari Pruis10 laps1
WINNING TEAM
Expert: Fitness Zone23 laps1 Sports: Sneaky Weasel21 lats1 Veteran: Who are Those Guys?21 laps1 Clydesdale – A Dirty Dozen13 laps1 Clydesdale – A Dirty Dozen13 laps1 Clydesdale – A Dirty Doodle13 laps1 Clydesdale – A Dirty Dozen13 laps1 Clydesdale – A Dirty Dozen13 laps1 Womens2 High on Redbull181 Womens1 Expert: Sola Velocita101
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