Many endurance mountain bikers have ridden in a 24-hour race, but how many of you have ever been on your bike for 25? Well, Hurricane, Utah is home to one, and it’s being called the, “longest 1-day race, ever.” It’s 25 Hours in Frog Hollow, and it promises to get your saddle sore and your legs destroyed.
The reason the race is 25 hours instead of 24 is because of the date. The race happens on November 3rd through 4th, right smack dab in the middle of the autumn time chance. So just when you think the race is almost over at the 24-hour mark, the clocks fall back and you’ve got one more hour to go!
According to race organizers, the course features a combination of flowing single track, combined with double track for a challenging 13 mile ride. But, they promise that unlike other desert races, there is NO SAND on the Frog Hollow course! Of course you can’t cycle in a more scenic location as the venue is positioned beneath Gooseberry Mesa, with an inspiring view of Zion National Park in the background.
Plus, the race just sounds fun based on the trails it covers. The singletrack sections are on the famed JEM Trail, and the rocky Rim Trail, for a bunch of variety and fast descents to keep things interesting. Not only that, but it’s the perfect time of year to ride in southern Utah, with temperatures averaging 77-degrees during the day and 44 for an overnight low. Of course no endurance race would be complete without shenanigans at the finish line with live music, costumed cyclists and spectators, vendors, sponsor tents and good food. Here’s a video from years ago filmed during the 1st year of the event that illustrates the fun:
Frog Hollow from Sara Amodt on Vimeo.
Registration has been open since May, but there are still spots available. Go to the Active.com site to sign up.