24 Hours in the Canyon; Earning the OVERALL solo 24 hour mountain bike win

24 Hours in the Canyon

May 31 – June 1, 2025

Palo Duro Canyon, near Amarillo, Texas

The only simultaneous ROAD and MOUNTAIN 24 hour race….

Joël raced the ROAD event and Jessica the MOUNTAIN

Jessica 1st overall ALL- male and female- riders solo mountain

Joël 3rd overall male, 1st age group solo road

This event was as much about the race as it was the journey.  The Nankmans arrived in Palo Duro Canyon State Park Friday afternoon, the day before the race, after having departed eastern Pennsylvania Monday morning.  

Knowing we came all the way from Pennsylvania, you may be asking what brought us to this particular event?  A combination of many things.  The location- what a beautiful and unique place to ride; something very different for the two of us from the East Coast and we were looking forward to the sights and sounds of nature that the panhandle of Texas has to offer. The format- Joël enjoys road riding and myself mountain so what a perfect race in that we each can do what we prefer. The race vibe- word of mouth told us this is an event that give riders a good experience from start to finish.  The reason for the event- the support it gives to cancer survivors; both Nankmans have had close family and friends battle cancer and taking part in an event that gives back to a noteworthy cause is well worth the travels.  So here we are, 24 hours of driving to ride bikes for 24 hours. As the race slogan states, “cancer doesn’t sleep” so why should we?

For race weekend the entire park essentially shuts down to outsiders and is taken over by those attending the ride.  Riders and teams are assigned camping spots based on what event they are taking part in and if they are solo or teams; these aspects dictate the best camping location and proximity to the course.  Kudos to race director Ryan Parnell for allotting us a primo spot in the Lighthouse lot; it was on course for both the road and mountain event. As two self-supported solo riders (meaning we have NO other people to help us, it’s just us helping ourselves out there) access to our pit area (i.e. our van) where food, cooler with beverages, clothing, and all other various supplies that would be needed during 24 hours of riding is a key feature.  On a side note: the campgrounds where timing and lap counts occurred- Soapberry for the mountain event and Juniper for the road- had first come first serve areas for solo riders to setup teams tents if wanted.

Alright, back to event timeline.  Arriving Friday afternoon we got our bearings by driving a lap of the park and found our allotted camping/parking spot.  We met some other racers, who we have known loosely through social media, and finally put faces to names which was wonderful.  Relaxing for a few hours by movie watching and book reading until it was time to head up to the Mack Dick Pavilion for registration and the race supplied pasta dinner.  After dinner we set-up our pit area followed by a bit more relaxing, listening to the coyotes howl, and viewing the stars and Milky Way light up the night sky before bed.

Race morning started with the final race prep in anticipation of the noon start.  Race number on my Liv Pique Advanced tuned and made ready by Saucon Valley Bikes, organization of food and drinks, and making sure all gear and equipment is ready to go. Of the utmost important for this event was trying to stay cool and hydrated.  The hot Texas sun came out and the temperature was rising quick!  Mack Dick Pavilion, a few miles from our camping spot was the start location with rider meeting at 11:45.  We gave ourselves an hour to get there and get situated, which was way more time than needed; 30 minutes would have been sufficient. Joël and I found chairs and shade to sit and relax, drink electrolyte drinks, and made new friends by chatting with others.

Line-up for the start was called.  Racers were organized based on their event; road or mountain and competitive or non-competitive. Due to the fact we were going in different directions, Joël and I said our well wishes to each other and gave each our good luck kisses.  Directly after the start the road riders turned one way and the mountain bikes the other. Now both Nankmans were on their own, potentially not to see each for the next 24 hours.  A fly-over by classic planes and singing of the national anthem got racers ready prior for the neutral roll-out led by an armored SWAT vehicle through the parade of cancer survivors. This event and the money raised by fundraising benefits the Cancer Survivorship Center and many survivors and their family members lined the road cheering riders as the ride got underway. I tired to give high-fives to as many people as possible. Some riders truly raced to the trail while others rode casual for the few miles on the pavement that started the event.

Now time for the actual race to start.  24 hours solo. Not only how did I get through 24 hours of solo riding but how did I win the entire solo division, men and women, and set the new women’s record.  What went through my mind, how was my body, what did I eat and drink. Here’s a play by play of the event.

 Noon to 4pm; laps 1, 2, 3, 4.5

I admit I started out a little faster than I should have. I kept my heart rate and power output where I typically do for a long endurance event but one thing I did not factor into my effort was the heat; which would dictate maybe taking things down a notch or two to conserve energy.  It was SO hot out; my Garmin Edge Solar 1040 was telling me 109 degrees. Yikes!  As usual the first lap was crowded; a congo line of people at places but that’s fine, I use that as a time to learn the course and not worry about speed. No one is going to win a 24 hour race in the first lap, but it can be lost if you push to hard or do stupid stuff.  I ate a sleeve of Cliff Shot blocks just prior to the start, and had a pocket filled with more of those and Honey Stinger bars.  I carried two bottles; one with water and one with Gatorade in my Wolf Tooth Components double water cage holder. My plan was one bottle per hour and one pocket snack per hour. Every two hours (when my bottles were empty and my pocket snacks gone) I would stop at the neutral aid in the timing area and fill a bottle with water and enjoy a race supplied snack; usually a banana or orange and some pickles.  I also carried Endurolyes with me taking two every other hour or so.  This plan would mean I would only need to stop at the van pit area every three to four hours.  Van stops were planned for two new bottles, eating a big snack, refilling pocket snacks and any other essential items like sunscreen and bug spray. The less van time the better because the van becomes a time suck. The camp chair is so comfy. The blanket is so warm and cozy. The bed may be calling during the night laps.  Best to try to avoid these things as much as possible.  The first four laps went exactly as planned; having to back off quite a bit effort wise because of the heat was a necessary modification but otherwise all was according to plan as noted above.

Highlights of these laps: 

The beauty of the canyon. So many colors. The reds and browns of the rocks. The flowers. The green vegetation.  Nature is so wonderful. FYI: Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States behind the Grand Canyon. And in my personal opinion Palo Duro is more striking and beautiful.

4pm to 8pm; laps 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8.5

At the end of lap four I stopped at the van.  Replenish bottles and food and sit down for a few minutes to eat some more substantial salty food of Ritz crackers, and drink a Boost and Coke.  Still eating and drinking as planned. Still taking it slower than planned because of the heat but not waivering in my hydration and calorie consumption.  As I finished lap 6 I noted a road bike propped up against the van, that must be Joël. I opened the van door and there he was, van on with the A/C running and all the fans pointed at him. The medics told him to take some time to cool off.  I spent time talking with Joël, sharing ride stories, and making sure he was OK. Then it was back out on course after applying a significant amount of bug spray. The biting flies were out of control!  Somewhere around the start of lap 8 lights were turned on. I started the race with all my lighting on myself and my bike; Lupine Piko already on my helmet and my Giant lights on the seat post, back of helmet, and bars. I find changing helmets and/or trying to put lights on, especially when self-supported and having to do it all on your own, can be cumbersome especially when tired and rushed. Better to just start with everything ready to go.  As the sun went down a spectacular thing happened, the temperature dropped.  Finally it was feeling pleasant out!

Highlight of these laps: 

The group of people cheering and handing out hydration to riders at the rocky overlook at the high point of the course. Great group of spectators giving all riders motivation and a wonderful and beautiful place to stop and hangout for a bit mid lap. I certainly did stop and grabbed some hydration while there, thanks!

8pm to midnight; laps 8.5, 9, 10, 11, 12

Finally a reprieve from the heat!  The sun had set and it was cooling down.  I felt revived. I was pedaling strong and felt good. Still keeping the same plan for eating and drinking. Lap eight was another van stop for a big refuel and get more bottles.  I ate my favorite guilty pleasure, a cheese Danish. Cheesy, sweet, doughy goodness and around 600 calories. Yum. After my big snack break time to continue on with the usual plan for the next few laps.  The neutral aid had put out clementines and Rice Krispy Treats which were now my go-to at that stop.  Night creatures were starting to show themselves on the course; snakes, toads, huge beetles, spiders.  Joël reports having seen an armadillo and turkey.  Lap 12 was another van stop.  This time big amounts of liquid calories; Coke and Boosts and also some Pringles. My stomach and gut were feeling a little off so I tried to go with more easily digestible items. I even sat for a bit after eating to allow my stomach to quiet down and digest a bit.  Oddly enough I was starting to feel a chill so I grabbed a windvest and thin arm warmers prior to heading out again.

Highlight of these laps:
Getting to know people. By now many of us solo riders were recognizing each other and as the night laps started we became a group of friends. Good conversations and fun times out there during these laps.  We were all a support group for each other.

Midnight to 4am; laps 13, 14.5 

Back around again and I was starting to feel the miles and the effort.  Time to sit down, relax, and recharge for a bit. Ate and drank a bunch to let the calories sink in.  Kept my full kit including my helmet on, put a jacket on to stay warm, and sat down in the camp chair. Timer set for 20 minutes and I do think I took a little snooze.  Nap time over and the brain fog was gone by physically I was still feeling blah.  I decided better to get riding anyway and just take my time. The next few laps were a casual pace and included a fair amount of walking. Oh well, it’s all still momentum in the right direction. Slow and pokey and the occasional stopping did allow me to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. The milkyway and stars were amazing. At one point I stopped and turned my light off and just took it all in.  Another aspect of the night laps I always find inspiring is seeing all the lights out there on course.  All the red tail lights and white front lights moving along the course is so cool to watch. When else is life does one get to see something like that?

Highlight of these laps: 
The neutral bike mechanic area. Music, campfire, lights, and cheering all night long. The music was a great mix of classic and alternative rock; up beat songs to get stuck in my head and I often rode much of the next lap singing them in my head; sometimes even singing out loud.  Thanks to all of you, definitely kept me going, you were all great motivation.

4am to 8am; laps 14.5, 15, 16, 17.5

More sleeping here, lap 15. This time a bit more substantial, I was getting cold. Maybe some heat stress  and sunburn from earlier were giving me the chills but I was feeling a little “off” and getting the chills.  Ate another cheese Danish, wrapped myself in a blanket, took off my helmet, laid down on the bed and set a time for 40 minutes.  This worked wonders as when I awoke I felt warm and refreshed.  Started out for lap 16 and within a few miles I crashed hard.  Fill in the next few moments of trail time with lots on inappropriate four-letter words.  Knocked the windout of me, resulted in scrapes and bruises, and required some time to sit trail side and make clothing and gear adjustments.  Following this I rode with hesitation for some time as not wanting to repeat the event.  By the end of lap 16 the sun was up and it was time to turn lights off. I was now stopping at the van a bit more often, more so every other lap.  Laps were taking me a bit longer and I was also feeling the need for more real food like pretzels and crackers than the pocket snacks I was carrying.

Highlight of these laps: 
The other riders on course. Early morning amongst riders. Especially solo riders, can be an interesting time. Many of us are really feeling it and those that are out there have typically been riding since the start.  But that is the beauty of it. We all come together, we support each other, and all become one in knowing we are a select group of crazies out there sharing the same surreal experiences.

8am to noon; laps 17.5, 18, 19, 20, 21

Taking some time to sleep and slow down during the last few laps has paid off. My body felt better, the stomach and gut woes I had dissipated and I was ready to get back to business. All those hours of strength training at Main Street Gym were paying off with legs and body that still felt strong.  The sun was up, lights turned off, and the trail and colors were gorgeous.  Back to the original refueling plan of carrying two bottles and utilizing the neutral aid station. I was back to really enjoying the pickles and pickle juice the aid station had to offer.  Lap 19 Joël and I met up at the van again and chatted about our rides and gave each other a little motivational speech to sustain for the last few laps. These last few laps were a blast!  So many awesome riders out there just enjoying the ride and taking pride in their achievements. By now all us solo riders were chummy with each other so lots of new friends to chat with.  In addition, the team transition area where the timing mats were and where the neutral aid was had become quite the party area with music, lights, and cow bells ringing.  Riders from all divisions and categories were gathered there cheering on others.  What a motivational place to go through.  The colors of the canyon were coming out again and it was looking like a beautiful painting. The only downside was the heat. Wow, who turned on the furnace at around 9am?  Wow did it get hot fast. As the temperature rose it did get harder to physically push but by that point it was just about getting to the end, so screw the heat, I was riding hard to the finish.

Highlights of these laps:
The party lap riders.  People were dressed in all sorts of silly outfits to celebrate the last lap.  I am already planning my shopping trip for my party lap outfit, what a great idea. 

Summary…my ride had it’s highs and it’s lows. It hurt but it also had lots of smiles.  There were terrible moments but there were also wonderful moments. The beauty of nature was outstanding. The people and conversations were fun and kept the wheels turning.  I wish the heat didn’t suck the life out of me like it had and I wish I didn’t have to sleep (which I feel may have been also an effect of the life-sucking heat) but a few short naps didn’t cause too much of a problem overall. Cycling and pushing the limits like this at ultra endurance events are my escape, my way to go all in into something I love and enjoy. No matter how terrible of a ride I am having it’s still an amazing day since I am on the bike. So mission accomplished, a great time out there doing what I love and enjoy.

Final finish time at 11:35, 23:35 race time, 21 laps, 178 miles

First overall rider of ALL 64 solo riders and set the new womens record

 Now for Joël’s road ride…sorry, it he wants to write about it he can. I gave some little details here and there in my event report.  The heat was a factor and he did have to sleep here and there but still put in a good ride.  300.9 miles for first in his division, third male overall and 6th overall road rider.  Despite the conditions he persevered but feels he could have done better.

So what did the post-ride time look like for the Nankmans? Post awards was ramen noodles with extra chicken and Muscle Milks.  Nap a few hours then off too the 25th hour celebration with a beers at Pondaseta Brewing Company in addition to checking out another local adult beverage company Bomb City distilling.  After that time to start the drive home.  Time to get back to work and regular life.

- words and race report by Jess
- photos by Jess, friend Lynnette, and race photo crew Red Family Photo