This week we’re taking a look at the bike Marie Walsh used to ‘Everest’ towers a few weeks back. Marie rode this xs 2018 Specialized Chisel up and down Towers Road at Horsetooth Mountain Park 17 1/3 times. Her total elevation was 30,034 feet well above her goal of 29,029, the elevation of Mount Everest.  She consumed just over 7000 calories during the ride (full list of food below). 
The ride started at 5:15 am Saturday, April 20th and finished after 3:00 am Sunday with a ride time of 22:26 and a total mileage of 115 miles. In the process, she raised over $3000.00 for the Overland Mountain Bike Association via pledges (She’s still taking pledges, link below). During the adventure, she only rode one lap solo, her 2nd, with 31 friends volunteering to ride with her. Marie had perfect temperatures for the assault with daytime temps in the 80s and nighttime temps only dipping into low 60s at the base. Marie also had a nearly full moon although it was muted due to light cloud cover.

Strava Ride: https://www.strava.com/activities/2308195402

Nutrition: Total Calories = 7050
Homemade Choc Rice Bar – 900 cal
Banana x1 – 110 cal
Tailwind x8 – 1600 cal
Honeystinger x2 – 300 cal
Pretzels – 750 cal
Haribo Happy Cola – 880 cal
Duncan Hines chocolate frosting – 520 cal
Chicken Drumstick – 450 cal
Doritos Cool Ranch – 1100 cal
Brat – 440 cal

Total Participants:

31 riders who completed 49 laps total
Over 60 supporters who donated over $3300 for OMBA.

Did you know:

-OMBA is constructing 3 new trails and 1 new alt line opening this year.
-at least 2 more new trails planned for next year
-Fort Collins Natural Areas had over 400 attendees and over 1500 survey comments. Though they were overwhelmed by the feedback, and heard our desires for more trails, we still don’t know how the Foothills Plan will turn out. OMBA is working with all levels of local government to make sure mountain biker’s interests are at the forefront of trail use decisions. Membership support is more important now than ever as we continue to advocate for mountain bikers in the Foothills Natural Area plan (includes Coyote, Maxwell & Reservoir Ridge) as well as Skyline Natural Area in Loveland. Horsetooth & Red Mountain Management plans are also happening later this year and Soapstone will likely be next year. OMBA must remain heavily involved in each by advocating for continued access and new trail opportunities.

It’s not too late to show your support (and give kudos) by contributing online at:
https://www.coloradogives.org/24hoursoftowers

The Build

Frame: XS/13”, 2018, Specialized, Chisel,-just under 18lbs
Fork: Niner Carbon
Rear shock: none
Front derailleur: none
Rear derailleur: XX1 Eagle
Brake levers: Level Ultimate
Brakes: Level Ultimate, hydro, 160
Shifters: XX1 Eagle
Cassette: X01 Eagle
Cassette gearing: 10-50
Bottom Bracket: SRAM dub (not ceramic)
Cranks: Specialized Stout, 165
Chainrings: XX1 28, 11 speed
Power Meter: nope
Pedals: XTR
Chain: XX1 12 speed
Front Hub: DT Swiss 240
Front Rim: Kappius XR 29
Front Tire: Schwalbe Thunderburt Race Guard
Rear Hub: DT Swiss 240
Rear Rim: Kappius XR 29
Rear Tire: Schwalbe Thunderburt Race Guard
Sealant: Stan’s
Saddle: Specialized Oura 155
Stem: 60mm Syntace
Bars: Ritchey, Superlogic, 168
Seatpost: Specialized Carbon
Computer: eTrex 30
Computer mount: Garmin’s mount
Saddlebag/Tools: Revelate Jerrycan, Specialized Bandit
Lights: I used Light and Motion 500 lumen Beyond Bright until Ben Parmen brought his amazing Exposure Six Pack MK5 for me to test out (the illumination scared away all the mountain lions).