12 Hours of
Santos by Gone Riding
February 15,
2025
Vortex Trail
System, Ocala, Florida
12 hour lap
mountain bike race
By our
calculation, Joël and I have been traveling from Pennsylvania to Florida
for this race for somewhere around ten years now.
We missed a few years to take part in 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo instead (same weekend in February) and COVID made for a skipped event but for the most part it’s been a
consistent attendance.
Why? Why keep coming back? Yes, the Nankmans race. But ultimately we do these crazy things because it is fun, because we enjoy it, because it is our outlet. So what brings us back to an event that requires almost 20 hours of traveling over and over again? The people. The course.
The weather. The race amenities. So many amazing things!
The people. All
of the other riders are so friendly. So much chatting while on course with
others. In fact, both Joël and I have had full-on conversations with other
riders. Friendly passing and being
passed, sir and mam are common words.
Not only are the racers friendly so are all their supporters. Back at the put area, team members not
currently on course and the friends and family of those out racing are always
cheering and offering help if we need it.
There are pits that have disco lights, music playing, bull horns, cow
bells, fire pits, and people cheering. Many of these parties invite us over for a beer and food; before, after and even during the race! Over the years Joël and I have made friends at this event, regulars that we
reconnect with every time. It’s always so nice to look forward to and see
familiar faces year after year. So many nice and supportive people.
The course is
always a good ride. It’s perfect for a
12 hour race. Challenging but yet not
overwhelming. Technical and tough area
yet also places to take it easy if needed.
Places to have fun and enjoy the ride yet also places to test one’s
skill and power. The course crosses
through or near the pit area numerous times that allows for cheering locations.
At the timing mat, the start and finish area, there is neutral aid and computer
screens with lap info posted on it.
Course markings are appropriate to keep everyone going in the correct
direction. At night creatures such as
raccoons, owls, mice, and frogs come out.
The nine mile course takes about 45 minutes to 1:15 for the average racer.
Sunny Florida. Pennsylvania in
February is of course a key reason to escape to Florida to race. With the exception of one year where it
rained and was chilly on race day it’s always been pleasant weather for this
event. Sunshine and temperatures in the 70s or 80s F are perfect riding
weather. Better than the snow and ice
that is Pennsylvania this time of year.
Gone Racing provides the full package to racers. It’s always nice to show up at registration with a warm welcome. Friendly and helpful race organizers are there to check in racers and hand out the amenities such as T-shirts and sponsor goodies. Breakfast race morning, typically granola bars and fruit, is available for all racers and some sort of post-race dinner, pasta or pizza, is available afterwards. However, one warning about the dinner, for those racing 12 hour solo food is gone by the time those of us racing until the end are finished so plan accordingly. Some years Joël and I have asked to have food set aside for us and our request has been accommodated, much appreciated. Pit area parking can be a bit hit or miss to find what the Nankmans need and want. Parking and team tent set-up is first come first serve with the parking area opening early Friday morning. Sometimes finding a good spot for two solo riders racing unsupported can be challenging but we have always gotten a spot along the course. Also of importance is this is a dog friendly event, Clifford always comes along and has met many dog friends along the way.
Now, enough
about why the Nankmans keep driving two days one way every February for a
race. How about our personal input into
the 2025 version…
Myself racing
and winning the 12 hour solo female event I can only say 2025 is off to a good
start. Getting older, I am 47, and dealing with some injury issues last year I
have changed things up a bit in my training and was looking forward to this
race as a test. Most importantly I have instituted the help of a strength coach
via Main Street Gym. Working more on strength training and stretching, more
recovery, and less long grueling rides is now the focus. This race I felt strong and smooth and was
able to push hard until the end. I enjoyed attacking the technical sections and putting down power
in the climby sections while also working on riding smooth and fluid on
the twisty and turny sections. OK, I do admit by the last two laps when I was
confident my win was certain I did slow down and party paced it a bit but I didn’t
meander too much. I made it a point to chat with others and to enjoy the ride
and smile every pedal stroke. If it wasn’t fun, or sort of fun, I would not be
doing it. 13 laps with a clock time of
11:16 gave a solid win of the ladies field and even a top 10 finish for the
open/expert solo field overall.
Joël
reports that his event was a "terrible race but a good bike ride". Being off the mountain bike for some time
just to get away from trails, only gravel and road riding to enjoy the roads,
this was a test to see if trails are still fun. And the answer is- “it was
enjoyable”. The heat and dehydration
took it’s toll early on along with the challenges of riding single speed on
this particular course. Feeling off and lackluster Joël made it a goal just to keep
pedaling. No matter what his speed and no matter what the effort just
continuing to the end was what mattered. And this goal was accomplished. Final
race finish time of around 11:30 with 13 laps put him 7th open men.
It was a
good ride for both Nankmans and a good time overall at 12 Hours of Santos.
Thanks to all our regular friends for making us feel welcome and for our new
friends for making race day a good time.
Great job race organizers for putting on a top notch event. See you
again in the future.
-
Words by Jess
-
Input from Joël
- Photos from Gone Riding race organizers, official race photographers Essential Media Productions, and Joël