Gus Wolf

What a friggin bruiser! So many learning lessons!

I got up at 5 am, worked a full day and drove out to the start point. Started Pedaling around 6pm ish. My plan was to complete in 24 hours.

I did not plan on taking 30 lol. I know im slow, but we had some issues for sure! I hadnt taken into acount all the stores would be closed at night, so my water stops were at a loss. This is the first ride I didnt bring a filtration system, as i didnt use it on the other 2 previously, and what a mistake that was lol! I stopped at several churches and even a fire house in the night, none which had spickets. One had pure rust coming out of it blah! Wasnt that thirsty. Eventually came to a creek and drank anyways haha. I had some trouble finding the creek crossing. Somehow I ended up in the woods on some trail system, and couldnt find the appropriate point to cross the creek. Eventually I followed the train tracks that led me to it, and made the creek crossing. Im glad I removed my shoes, It got cold. Around 1 or 2 am my eyes began to get very heavy, and I was surprised at this. I figured the physical exertion would keep me awake, but I think it contributed to my tiredness. The winds picked up heavy, but luckily I made it to the coker creek visitor center, right as a big thuderstorm set in. So I rested for a couple hours before beginning the nexrt portion. I layed there shiving in the cold and wet, but at least I wasnt directly in the rain. To my surprise there was a spicket on the side of the house, so all was well (since they were closed on Sunday at my arrivale time)

The climb Bald was beating me up pretty good, and the section after it was also a little challenging to me. At one point I looked down and was like " why am i still in the mile 80's?! This is ridiculous! "" It then occured to me that I had accidentally stopped my computer at buck bald... This was particularly defeating. I sat on the side of the road and ate a hot pocket, pouting, knowing my computer would read about 9 miles short, and 2 hours short, and unknown elevation short. Im guessing around 2k. I was crushed, worried about disqualification, and almost contemplated quitting. But then I remembered I was there for me and my own personal challenge, I knew I did it! I included the photos with screen shots of the timestamps of the mileage gap(buck bald - Ride with GPS=gap), 12:50 to 14:35 is approximately when it was stopped, so that may be added to my time if necessary. It looks like right at 9 miles, the screen shot from Ridewith GPS is where I realized it. While pouting, the next thunderstorm began lol. I just ate a hot pocket and Stinger and all was well.

Shortly after that, my derailer start making a terrible noise. I got off the bike, and 2 of my spokes on my rear wheel had broken. 45 miles to go. Damn. Was this it for me? Nope! I simply bent the broken spokes around his brother spokes and continuted on, hoping they would hold up the next 45 miles. My derailer was some form of toast, as when I pushed the bike it pedaled itself, and I could not pedal backwards without the chain jumpinfg off. " Guess ill just pedal forwards the rest of the trip lol" I think I prayed about it the whole time lol. I paused down at Reliance Fly and Tackle, and ate a big burger.. Which almost persueded me the throw in the towell with the computer and bike issues. But alas, I only had 34 miles to go, so I begain my trip up. The first baby climb zapped me pretty good, and I puked up my burger. but the big climb was actually really nice. Temps had dropped to about 42, and I was super glad I brought my rain jacket. I pushed my bike on the rough stuff, keeping my rear wheel in mind. My hands and feet froze on the bomb down. (see my pictures of my humorous mechanic work on the spokes)

I saw lots of wildlife, including turkeys, 3 rattlesnakes, 1 copper head (stopped for a picture this time) and a big brown cat bombing down the last mountain. Me and the cat surprised each other, and I was glad to see him scurry off as fast as he did lol. I made no more stops descending the mountain after seeing him lol. All trails were clear, and the people was nice. Bring a water filter for sure if your doing a nightrun like me, and bring layers for the descents... I have a feeling im going to have a pretty big cold after this one!

Thank's yall so much for this wonderful experience! I know my times are laughable, but Im just glad I was able to complete them with all their suffering. Its been a tough year with a lot of trials and challenged, and these helped remind me of what Im capable of in the face of adversity!