Old Pueblo

[andy aka rut]

We had a team heading out to Old Pueblo-5 person,coed.
One of our teammates is a pro, Monique "Pua" Sawacki. She rocks.
So here is the scoop.... This last week, NORBA pulled the Marathon Series for this coming year. The Marathon Series is what she does. Now her sponsors want to know what she is going to be doing. Each of them suggested solo'ing the 24hr events. Obviously, this is something she needs to do. This is her income, her work and her life. Unfortunately, this means the demise of our team. Pua and her husband (her coach) need to team up and do the solo event. The three SoCal guys have the option of doing a 3 person team or backing out. Well we are not in shape to do a 3 person team, not to mention we aren't interested in doing that many miles. It looks like we are going to back out.

We are pretty bummed about it, but it is Pua's job and, for us, it's just for fun. So Chelle, you are in luck. No need to worry about us being out there this year. On the plus side, it looks like Monique might be available to join us in the 24hr of Hell in Paradise. In Hawaii!!!!!

Sorry for the rant.

[mp3]

I'm really sorry to hear that Mr Newcastle. Did you pull the plug for good?

The marathon series being nixed is a real bummer. I was planning on doing those too. Now I'm scrambling to find other events to do. Know of anyone that be interested in doing this 7-day race in Canada in July? I'd prefer a mixed team but I could go 2 man open if I can't convince any really strong females so I can go head-to-head with my coach and her partner.

[sauce]

Wow ... total bummer. But it must be AWESOME knowing and riding with Monique. I'm jealous.

[andy aka rut]

Mario,
Are you looking for a person that can keep up with you?? Yeah good luck with that! 7 days in Canada sounds great...too bad I can't take that many days off work and too bad I don't have a gearie bike.

Sauce,
Yeah knowing Pua and Ron has been awesome. Two top-notch people to say the least. They had a really tough time letting us know what happened, but they knew it had to be done. I remember the day when I was faster than Monique.... oh, it seems like a lifetime ago.

Here is a write up from the 24hr of Hell in Paradise (in Hawaii) we did with Ron and Monique. One of the best races EVER!!!!
http://www.warriorssociety.org/Racing/Report003.html

[sauce]

How cool! And there's Brian from the path too. What year was this? It looks like you guys had a blast.

[mp3]

I'm looking for someone that can go the distance. I've inquired with Ron about Monique but her schedule is always super packed so we'll see. I've got some feelers out with some pro women. If that doesn't work then I'll see if any of my teammates is interested as I widen the search.

[sauce]

hey ... have you guys done the Old Peublo before? That's in Tucson, right? That's where most of my family (dad included) live, so I spend tons of time out there. What's the course like? Not this year probably ... but maybe next ... I'd like to do it.

[andy aka rut]

I've never done the course, but from what I read....
1000ft of climbing for a 15 mile loop. The fast guys are doing laps in 54 minutes!!!! Smoking!!!

[mp3]

It's a fun course, one of the longest for a 24 hour race. It has been between 16 and 14 miles in previous years. It's a combination of fire/utility road and some nice singletrack through cacti. Not much climbing and I know SSers love it.

[Abui]

Originally Posted by andy aka rut

I've never done the course, but from what I read....
1000ft of climbing for a 15 mile loop. The fast guys are doing laps in 54 minutes!!!! Smoking!!!

Solo riders?

BTW Who was/is the fourth person on your team? I keep getting 5 -1 = 3 . Monique's husband?

[andy aka rut]

Originally Posted by trekker

Solo riders?
BTW Who was/is the fourth person on your team? I keep getting 5 -1 = 3 . Monique's husband?

Solo?? Haaahahaahahhah
I haven't raced solo for about 4 or 5 years. Maybe when I'm in that kinda shape, but not now. The team members were going to be 3 from SoCal (Gerrit S, Scott B and myself) and Ron (Monique's husband) & Monique. Ron is wicked fast too. He should be racing either semi-pro or expert, but he is there for his wife at the races.

[shudder]

Originally Posted by andy aka rut

One of our teammates is a pro, Monique "Pua" Sawacki. She rocks.

Hey Andy -- I'm posting a pic of the start of the 12 Hours of Temecula race I shot as the racers took off for the Parade Lap. You can see Pua Sawicki in her Team Mata blk/grn/wht jersey right at the front of the group (of course). Her times were something to behold! She kicked some serious ass during that race, for sure.

It was a great day, for everyone, and especially for Monique. She seems to be at 100%.

shudder