Date: June 10-11, 2000
Event: Toyota 24 Hours of Snowshoe 2000
Class: Pro/Am Team
Category: Pro
Length: 24 Hours
Time: 0:32:38 - 18 Laps
Bike: Trek FUEL Full-Suspension 2001 (Due out in October)
Tires: Bontrager

Pictures from Fairmount AMBC 2000
Philadelphia, Pa

Why do you enjoy endurance events?

I enjoy endurance events because the race takes longer to unfold and mental strength and strategy come in to play. Plus I want to be a well-rounded cyclist, so endurance events are part of that.

What is the longest distance or number of hours you have ever ridden in one day?

I've ridden twenty some hours doing solo at Moab (180miles). I've ridden 9 hours 40 minutes at the Shenandoah 100 (100miles).

Did you do anything special to prepare for this race?

I rode up on Canaan Mt., which is technical riding, on my brand new prototype Fuel bike. I wanted to get used to the suspension and front end.

How many laps did you complete yourself?

I did 4 laps.

How much actual riding time did you get in during the race?

I rode for 5 hours 38 minutes.

In the last two months how many hours a week have you trained on average?

14 hours

Were you strong from start to finish?

I tried to be consistent. I like my day laps to be within 5 minutes of each other and my night lap to be within seven to ten minutes of each other. Unfortunately, my only night lap was 21 minutes slower than my fastest lap. But overall I was racing for the big team win.

Did you have a good support crew?

Oh Yes!! It was like a highly organized military operation. Roger Bird was commander in chief, Sean Langeheine was ace mechanic, Mike Eatough was bike wash, Dr. Bill was chief chiropracter and rider spotter. Plus we each had our own personal assistents (roommates, boyfriends, moms, etc) We couldn't of won without our support crew.

Did your Team work well together?

Yes. We all like each other a lot and we all have tons of respect for each others' abilities. We had fun, too!

What did you eat during the race?

I ate bananas, fig newtons, a sweet potato, ramen noodles with veggies, fruit smoothie, and lentil soup, a couple power gels and coffee, tea and orange juice.

Did you change clothes, shower, or nap during the race?

The routine was ride fast, drop the bike off to Mike to wash it, then up to the room and drink a recovery drink in the hot shower. Then sit down to a warm meal and then get massage or stretch. Then go lie down and try to relax. And wait until it is your time to go again. I personally can never sleep, but I do get some rest.

Did you have any unusual problems with the race?

There were no unusual problems. There were many obstacles, though. The night riding was extremely difficult for me. Even though I've done many 24 hour events, this year the night riding was the hardest.

How would you rate the course?

I would give the course a high rating, because it was technical, exciting, gruelling, yet awesome. Even though I had trouble riding those slick roots at night, I loved it during the day. Some people hated the course because they had to walk so much of it, but I think most people loved it. Not many racecourses are truely technical these days. Plus the race had a good mix of riding.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

I was happy with the way the race was run. Granny Gear Productions works very hard to make the race special and memorable. Results could have been more accurate and more timely. It was a really fun event.

If you could do the race again, would you do anything differently?

I don't think the team could have done anything different. Personally I would have practiced night riding more before the race.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I really want to thank these good folks: Chris, Katie, Paul, Roger, Sean, Mike, Ann, Dana, Bill, Matt, John Riley, Michael Myers, Neil P, Sam, and All the people who cheered us on. And to Trek for giving us the chance to debut the Fuel Bikes. And to my other sponsors, West Virginia Division of Tourism, Platypus, and White Grass Ski Touring Center.

Thank you Sue Haywood for the interview!!