This team of daring athletes is participating in multiple events in the San Diego area, from 12 and 24-hour endurance races to 2-hour sprint races.  One such event was the 2008 Hurkey Creek 24 Hours of Adrenalin race, held September 20th in Idyllwild, CA. This event is the ultimate test for athletes, as they race as many laps as they can in a 24-hour period. This intense event only allows each rider two 2.5-hour breaks during the race, which ran from noon on Saturday until noon on Sunday.

Temperatures ranged from highs of 88 degrees during the day to predawn lows of 32 degrees with frost on the ground. The trail was technical, and the riders persevered through fatigue and darkness, as well as the elements. There were categories for team racing as well as soloing, and two of Team SHOEBACCA's members participated in the solo event, which is the most demanding of the events. "It was daunting, watching the clock tick down at the start, knowing you had such a long day, then night, then day ahead of you," Dee Folse, Team SHOEBACCA captain explains.

The event saw 1500 participants, yet even with that number, the night laps were quiet. "There were times when you questioned whether or not you were still heading the right direction," says Folse. "You couldn't see anyone in front of you or behind you, and all you would hear was the crunch under your tires and your own breathing. It was eerie, for sure."

Brian Darisay and Dee Folse pushed their bodies to the limits, and when the dust settled had placed 6th and 7th place, respectively, having completed 14 and 13 laps each. The top four placings were taken by pro riders, so our guys did outstanding! To put it in perspective, at the end of the day, they had climbed 41,000 feet and ridden 270 miles combined. Congratulations to both men for doing so well in such a difficult event!

On November 15th, 2008, Team SHOEBACCA wrapped up the 12 Hours at Temecula event. This event is collective throughout the racing season, and going into this third leg, Team SHOEBACCA boasted three athletes, Dee Folse, Team SHOEBACCA captain, Brian Darisay and Randy Whiddington, in the top three rankings.

This final leg of the competition saw the riders start their rides on a hot day, with Santa Ana winds blowing hard. Reaching 100 degrees at midday, Team SHOEBACCA captain Dee Folse found himself in trouble after the fourth lap, and spent the following day in the hospital from severe dehydration. He has made a full recovery, however, and is ready to rock the next event!

The Temecula Race featured 10 mile laps, with about 1400' of climbing per lap. Combine that with the heat and winds, and you've got quite a grueling event! At the end of the day, Team SHOEBACCA was proud to see all three of its participants take the podium as champions! In the Sport Solo men's category, Randy Whiddington took 2nd place on the day and 2nd place overall for the series after nine laps on the day. With nine laps under his belt as well, Brian Darisay took 2nd place on the day and overall for the series in the Solo 40+ category. And despite an early end to on this final leg of the event, Team SHOEBACCA captain Dee Folse took 3rd place overall for the series in the 50+ men's solo category. Congratulations to all of these men for their excellent riding and perseverance!

Even though winter is an off-season for Team SHOEBACCA, our crew hit the trails for the first 12 Hours of Temecula event of 2009. This event is a three-part series of races, continuing in June and November.

Team SHOEBACCA showed up Friday evening and the rains came. "It rained so hard," says Team SHOEBACCA captain Dee Folse, "that I thought the trailer was going to cave in." Of course, this gives one a sense of dread of what the race day morning might bring, but the crew woke up to blue skies and great weather. The rain from the previous night turned out to be quite a boon to the racers, as the course was fast and tacky. By "tacky," we mean that the rain that did come down knocked down the dust and let the riders take the corners even faster, without fear of sliding.

It was a great race day, and despite having lower numbers in this "off-season" leg of the event, our two solo riders did great! This 12 Hours of Temecula event is one of the biggest races in January with 350 registered athletes, and has grown since its inception to be a favorite of riders everywhere.

As the days pass into spring, the race events start picking up. In early March, the Cal State series kicks off and the racing season really picks up. The SHOEBACCA crew will be on hand to represent at the Amgen Tour de California. This annual event sees some of the world's best riders, including Lance Armstrong, taking to the same roads that our Team SHOEBACCA riders train on. Team SHOEBACCA will be there to see these athletes during the last leg of the race. This event is equivalent to a 7-day Tour de France, with vicious climbs like a 12-mile run that elevates over 6000 feet! You can read more about the event at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

As the days grow longer, Team SHOEBACCA will be organizing a once a week ride for fun and training. As this comes together, you'll be able to find more information on it here. Team SHOEBACCA encourages you to get out and get riding with them, so keep an eye right here for more information!