Copied some info on the race...
When: June 22, 23, 24, 2007 (the Hell Ride itself takes place June 23rd)
Who: Originally devised as a way to prove Santa Cruz freeride bikes could be ridden everywhere, the Hell Ride has devolved into a soul-destroying test of mettle. Legendary hard man Mark Weir almost became a victim of his own brutality at last year’s Hell Ride, and this year, is coming back to the high country a little earlier and a little meaner. He will be joined by the ultra-tough Rachel Lloyd, and the two of them will take one unlucky man and one unlucky woman on the ride of their lives.
Where: A grueling course somewhere in Northern California has been mapped. It will incorporate more than 10,000 feet of climbing into a distance between 60 and 80 miles, at least half of which promises to be technical singletrack. There will be rocks, lots of them. There may be some snow. There will be some pushing. There might also be the sounds of weeping, gnashing of teeth, and the occasional wailing of lost souls.
Why: If you are chosen, and if you survive, you get to keep the bike you rode. In this case, that will be a fully tricked out Santa Cruz Nomad, kitted with SRAM X.0 components and a RockShox Lyrik fork, valued at over $5200. It has 6.5 inches of travel, and weighs about 32 pounds. Given the amount of climbing involved, riders might be begging for something a little lighter and smaller, but that would kinda defy the purpose of this li’l ride, wouldn’t it? Besides, no amount of lightweight trickery will remedy the amount of uphill suffering on tap here. And the plush suspension and stable manners will be the only thing keeping people out of hospital in the rock gardens and on the descents. Just remember, if you don’t finish, you don’t get to keep the bike.
What else: Chosen entrants will also receive one free round trip flight to the location in Northern California. Food and accommodations while in Hell will also be provided.
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ff to train::