The Ocho

Morristown, TN
The Ocho 8 Hour Race Saturday April 17, 2010
by: Anthony Janik

Is it me or has construction on Georgia’s interstate been going on for more than a decade?

Anyway, I made the 8 hr journey to Morristown, TN and arrived at Panther Creek Park just in time to set up camp and spin my legs. The start/finish area was a mowed field tucked tightly away between the trees and I think I drove past it about 5 times. From what little I saw of the trails during my preride, they were well maintained and fast.

The start was a Le man’s run up to a small hill where our bikes were staged. I positioned myself near the front and was on my bike in the top ten or so riders. We rode a through a large field and then onto a jeep road section before finally entering single track. The coarse had a nice mixture of everything from fast single track, roots, rocks and punchy climbs that would eventually have the best of me.

The pace in the lead group would be to high for me to sustain so I let them go within the first 15 minutes and decided to ride my race. I kept on it and enjoyed the trails but just couldn’t find my groove.. I was riding comfortably near the top 5 for a few laps when I started experiencing some pains in my lower back.

The pain was more intense than I’ve previously experienced during racing. My 3rd and 4th laps were tough but my 5th.. near excruciating. My times were still pretty consistant going into the 5th but with my mind wrestling the pain, I was quickly fading. After 5, I decided to pull the plug.

The finish was bittersweet. Although I had not done what I came to accomplish, Dave Holmes, the race promoter made things easy for me. At the timing tent was a keg and about 100 pizzas.. I would definitely recommend this race to everyone, it has to be one of the best values in endurance racing anywhere.. from the low entry fee to the provided shirt, glass, beer and food, not to mention the trail system and the prizes given at the awards; the event was first class..

After many prescription Motrin and nearly a week off the bike, I’m back on it and looking forward to my next adventure.. Dirt, Sweat & Gears. See ya’ll there!