Here I am at the rainy start of the race...looking very energetic and eager.........at this point.

Kouji and I before the start, looking very nice and clean wearing white......

The only time the sun came out, for about 2 minutes, Kouji stopped to take a quick picture at the top of climb no. 1....there were 3....over 1600 meters we climbed in elevation......wow....it was quite the adventure. I don’t know how many muscle spasms I had, I actually lost count, and the number of times I thought of quitting.....but I persevered.....and continued, despite the freezing rainy conditions......

The finish line....

Oh my god I made it.....

am I alive???

yes, I am, barely....cold........very cold.....

I won’t tell you how hard the race was, you can tell by my face. I am absolutely exhausted here......and so grateful to have made it to the finish line. It was a journey, over 3 hours for me, in the worst weather possible.....but, nonetheless another mountain bike adventure to go down in the history books. If I do this race next year..... I only hope for sun next time around......cheers to all of us who finished this crazy race!!!!!!! Congratulations to my team mates for placing in the top 3 and to Mark Parker who at over 40, can still kick some major young butts. Great going on 4th overall Mark!!!!!

Kouji coming in!! Great job, on a 150cm suspension bike yet!!!!

Mark wizzing around one of the top corners.....

Thank you to 信州ふぉとふぉと館 for suppling most of these great shots!!!!
I just found out that I came in 1st in the over 40 women’s category and 6th overall, yippee, so happy!!!!!