The second race in the Kona Global 24 Hour Series was held September 9
and 10 at Snow Mountain Ranch, just west of Winter Park and the
Continental Divide. Mark Hendershot (Santa Cruz Syndicate) completed 21
laps to win the solo race. Monique Sawicki (Team Mata) won the women's
solo race with 16 laps. The Pro Team race was won with 28 laps by the
Trek/VW team of Nick Martin, Nick Ranno, Josh Bezecny, and Jenny Smith.

The race, based at the ranch's Nordic ski center, featured a mix of ski
trails and single track. The 14 mile course wound up and down a hillside
of lodge pole pines, across the valley, and up the mountain side before
descending back to the finish, at an elevation of nearly 9000 feet.

"I wasn't sure how I'd handle the altitude," remarked Hendershot. "After
all, I live in Michigan! I felt good though, had a good ride. All in all
it was a smooth race. The Blurs performed beautifully, as always. And
the SRAM equipment didn't miss a beat."

Trail conditions were made more challenging by pre-race thunder storms.
The muddy single track favored a racer from the east, like Mark,
accustomed to riding through peanut butter. A brief thunderstorm just
after the race started made the back side of the course even muddier,
but with dry skies for the rest of the race the trail improved
considerably. "Kenda Kharmas were the way to go. They rolled through the
mud easily, and were super fast as the course dried out."

Cold was also a factor as temperatures dipped to 40 degrees at night in
the valley, and brought fresh snow to surrounding peaks. Predicted night
time rain showers never materialized and racers were treated to a
spectacular moon rise over the mountains and bright moon light
throughout the night. "The cold wasn't too bad, although I'm sure I saw
snowflakes in the early morning fog. I broke out my expedition weight
gloves just before dawn, but overall I stayed pretty warm. If it had
rained, oh boy, things would have been different."

The men's solo race began with 21 competitors and included Hendershot,
last year's winner Josh Tostado (Giant), and single speed guru Steve
Fassbinder (E-Caps). After the LeMans start, Mark and Josh jumped out in
front of the other solos, and most of the teams. They rode together for
two laps before Hendershot opened up a lead. Josh stayed within 15
minutes of Mark for 8 hours, but Hendershot, a strong racer at night,
increased the gap and lapped the entire solo field by 4 a.m. "I love the
night laps. All of my little hop-devil friends emerge from the forest to
cheer me on. They make me ride fast, really fast. And having such great
lights as Lupine on my bike and helmet gave me better visibility than
anyone." Hendershot further increased his lead throughout the morning,
finishing three laps up on second place Tostado.

Promoters Patrick Adams (Pro Velo Support) and Nat Ross (Tough Guy
Productions) provided riders and crew with everything needed for a great
event. A 24 hour cafeteria with hot food, hot showers, free camping, and
mechanical support let solos and teams get the most out of the race. The
next stop on the Kona Global 24 Hour Series, in Redesdale, Australia
December 2-3, will host this year's Global Championship.

As always, Mark greatly appreciates the support of his sponsors:
Santa Cruz Bicycles
SRAM
RockShox
Truvativ
Avid
DT Swiss
Kenda
PUSH
Crank Brothers
Chris King
WTB
Clif Bar
Troy Lee Designs
Lake Shoes
Zeal Optics
Sock Guy
Hammer Nutrition
BURN Energy Drink
Giro
Lupine Lighting Systems
Hydrapak