Well I did the epic 8 hour today. No not the race, but my own version of it. Actually it only lasted 7 hours but still it was a pretty good ride. Did lots of exploring. Headed into the St. Helena Rd section of the trails to see if I could figure them out. I couldn't. But did some decent trails. Then went in the back way to Hilton Falls and proceeded to get lost for about 2.5 hours. It was fun...I wasn't actually in Hilton for most of the time....it was the agreement forest that is connected. It got a bit frustrating trying to get into Hilton....seemed like I was constantly doing circles. But still did some great trail that was super rocky technical. It is really amazing how the 29" wheels help with that stuff. I never used to be a good technical rider but I have more confidence with this bike and was able to ride the majority of sections. Eventually exited Hilton and went over to Kelso. I was at about the 5 hour mark by this point and getting a little tired. Managed to ride up the escarpment and did every trail at Kelso which only too about an hour. Then headed home which took another hour. Overall it was a pretty good ride....especially in Hilton. Rode much of the trail in my big ring with the exception of a few really rocky areas. But I felt like I was motoring along most of the time which was fun.

Going to get out to one of the Tuesday night races soon. My son is doing the kids race at the 24 Hour so I want him to have a go at the course he will be riding. He's doing really well for being only 6 years old. We're hitting singletrack behind the house and he is handling it really well. Biggest thing he needs to work on is slowing down for the corners....we've had more than one crash from taking it too fast, going wide, and clipping a tree. He always gets right up and keeps going. So much fun....my prodigy!

Steve