12 Hours of Pain and Purpose

Yesterday, I did a first! I rode on a mountain bike team for twelve hours! It's set-up as a relay. Each rider takes turns riding the same course over and over again. The team to complete the most laps in the 12 Hours wins! It is divided into different divisions as well. You pretty much end up riding for 45 minutes every three hours. And when I write it like that, it seems so simple. BUT, I gotta tell you.. it kicked my butt! First, the course at Papago Park was much harder then any other course I had seen/ridden yet. Second, it has rained non-stop for three days in AZ. There was lots of mud, puddles, and washes to ride through. My very first mud experience! I did escape without any bruises or bumps. I also did get lost on my third loop and rode extra miles! The wind picked up all day, so the cones were all over the place on the last turn towards the tunnel. What can I say.. I wasn't nicknamed Magellan for nothing?! That was super frustrating! I came home and sat in the bathtub to warm up and then crawled into bed. Today I still felt the race and am glad I went for a massage this afternoon! I will post pictures soon.. they're coming.