8 Hours of Independence

8 Hours of Independence – Philomath Oregon July 4
1 Lap = 6.5 miles (10.4 km) and 1100 ft (approx 400m) http://www.mudslingerevents.com/flat-mountain-8hr-711/

Race Summary: It was hot! 60 Riders lined up to battle it out on a fast and flowy course that provided some steep ups and fast descends. This was the first 8 Hours of Independence, and as always OBRA put on a good show. The goal was to ride as many laps as possible between 10 am and 6pm.

Alena and Dean Irvine used this race as prep for Trans Rockies in August, and Mike and Andy Traslin lost an opportunity at a mountaineering trip so they figured an 8 hour race would be a good substitute. In the Pro Men’s field Mike and Andy Traslin came in 3rd and 4th completing 11 and 10 laps respectively. Alena had a consistent race, with the help of friends Eric and Julie who fed and kept track of lap times, and won the women’s overall completing 9 laps. Dean won the Cat 2 men’s category despite fixing a flat on the last lap and completed 10 laps. That is 102km and 4000m of climbing! Not a bad day.

The Giant Anthem bikes continue to impress us with their climbing ease and ultra smooth descending ability!