Race Anecdotes: Letting Marc Convince Me To Race The Cactus Cup Stage Race

Somehow I let Marc convince me to register for the Cactus Cup 3-day stage race in Fountain Hills, Arizona. I can’t remember the last time I did a stage race, definitely not a 3-day mountain bike stage. I’ve done plenty of back-to-back road racing days, but this was different.

The Cactus Cup meant driving for 13 hours to get to our destination, racing for three days, then driving 13 hours back. And that’s something I’ve never done. To be honest, I hate leaving my routine.

Thursday road trip, or, hell on wheels

Sleepy-eyed and cream-crackered, the race weekend started well before the race. We left Thursday at around 5:30 AM (I woke up at 3:45 AM). Before the sun came up. Before most people were on the road. Before we were bright-eyed awake.

GPS guides the way

Marc entered “Fountain Hills, Arizona” into the car’s GPS. 12 hours 45 minutes travel time. That wasn’t counting stops. I tried settling in for a long ride. I had my water bottle, comfy clothes, and Dramamine. Let’s fuggin’ go.