National 24-Hour Challenge 2007

Over the past 25 years race directors John and Diane Obermeyer have perfected the race organization and the largest 24-hour race in the nation runs like a well-tuned clock...

by Nancy Guth

Ultracycling Cup Competition for ultra riders of the season

Overall winners Nancy Guth and Chris Ragsdale

The 25th annual National 24-Hour race was a family reunion, truly an international family affair. At this year's National Challenge both seasoned participants and first-time racers began filling race headquarters before noon on Friday, the day before the race, claiming spots and greeting friends. By evening the school parking lots were a colorful, festive campground, with tents of all shapes and sizes and a separate parking lot full of RVs. Over the past 25 years race directors John and Diane Obermeyer have perfected the race organization and the largest 24-hour race in the nation runs like a well-tuned clock, every step explained and on schedule. Race packets with clear instructions were distributed during the traditional spaghetti dinner, interspersed with entertaining and informative comments from Obermeyer. Everyone enjoyed the company of friends while eating and preparing for the morning race start.

After a restful night in the peaceful campground the racers began wandering into the cafeteria for a pre-race breakfast, many with butterflies in his or her stomach. I walked in with daughter Marta, who accompanied us to ride in her first ultra race. As we entered the cafeteria John Obermeyer announced "Here is the overall female winner of last year's race!” and Chris Ragsdale, the overall male winner last year, came over to join us for breakfast. We had a good chat, trying to relax and prepare for the mental and physical demands of the next 24hours.

John & Diane Obermeyer

The race start is always impressive, this year with close to 400 ultra racers lined up in many colorful jerseys. Flags from countries of the riders flew accompanied by each national anthem. This year the traditional Canadian and United States anthems played, along with the Republic of South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand. The peloton leaving race headquarters was impressive. The starting racers were a half-mile of bright jerseys, making cars and cows take note as they passed by. After the racecar lead the cyclists through the town of Middleville, MI, the racers began breaking up into groups, the very aggressive, somewhat aggressive and not so aggressive. Bright sun and light wind accompanied riders to Checkpoint One and Two. By Checkpoint Three, at mile 90 plus, the sun was shimmering hot. I was checking the sky for clouds, hoping to get a little welcome relief, but none were in sight. Plentiful volunteers helped out, with water, ice and fruit. Merry VanderLinden offered to crew for us and for her husband Claudio, and we benefited with ice for our drinks, socks stuffed with ice around our necks and various food for our jersey pockets.

Nancy Guth (L) on the start line for the 2007 National 24-Hour Challenge

The course for the 24-hour is spectacular, on lightly traveled, picturesque roads. The 125-mile day loop was shortened this year by five miles, still hilly and challenging for with approximately 5,600 feet of climbing. The front peloton included last year's overall winner Chris Ragsdale, RAAM rider Bryce Walsh and Larry Ide who is racing for the overall Ultracycling Cup championship. Walsh had some mechanical issues and fell off the lead group, so John and I were able to enjoy a brief chat with him about the 2006 RAAM as we continued through loop one. The beautiful 22-mile afternoon loop circled lakes and a recreation area and registered 1,000 feet of climbing. Within 12 hours racers who stayed on the course had 8 to 10,000 feet of climbing, which is respectable for a 24-hour race.

The race announcer identified each rider as the rider came through the check point at headquarters, providing interesting information on the riders and offering up competitions and prizes for the devoted crew members.

Marti DuPlessis from South Africa (L) & Isabelle Sheardown from Canada

By late afternoon the heat and climbing had begun to take their toll, riders were laying in many positions around the race headquarters. The air-conditioned cafeteria provided welcome relief for those who wanted a cold drink in cool surroundings and by nightfall, most riders returned to the relatively flat 7.5-mile night loop. The night loop is well staffed, with policemen at several corners clearing the way for safe and unimpeded travel through intersections. The night was wonderfully balmy, clear with a light breeze. Most racers continued to push and the night loop was populated with about 100 red lights steadily marching around the 7.5-mile loop.

The challenging part for John and me is always the middle of the night as the moon dims, stars appear and the night seems long and black. We were treated to warm mashed potatoes from our supportive friend Merry and rode along with various ultra friends we recognized in the wee hours.

Larry Ide, current leader in the Ultracycling Cup

The sun peaking over the eastern horizon is always a welcome sight and as a faint pink glow lit the sky, riders came out of tents, vans and RVs to attack the course once again. The final hour is always pulsating with excitement, as the announcer returns to his post and the clock starts the final hour countdown. Ragsdale and his support team were turning up the pace, cranking out the miles and reaching for the record goal of 500miles. Larry Graham on his recumbent was going for the overall recumbent record, helped by his wife, Christine. Ragsdale came through the final checkpoint with only minutes to spare. As the race announcer counted down the final seconds of the 25th annual National Challenge, race officials carefully tabulated and verified final mileage before any celebrations began.

Tired crew and riders dismantled pit stops, took down tents and the racers enjoyed welcome showers before the awards ceremony. MacDonald's again contributed Egg McMuffins, orange juice, coffee and cinnamon rolls, which were welcomed by hungry riders and crew members, as we all sat in exhausted relaxation in the cool cafeteria, awaiting final results. Chris Ragsdale and I found each other at breakfast and congratulated each other on our safe and successful rides.

Nancy Guth comes through the checkpoint for the final lap.

Awards at the National 24-Hour Challenge are always a time of celebrating personal bests and this year was especially poignant since it was the final year for the race organizers Diane and John Obermeyer. After each record was awarded there were personal stories, loud applause, and many teary eyes.

James Johnston, racing in the age 70+ group, set a new record with 365.2 mile and 70+ Lew Meyer followed close behind with an outstanding 335.2 miles. Claudio Vacas, supported by his wife Merry, and Marc Pritchard, urged on by Claudio, both had outstanding rides. Larry Graham was smoking in his recumbent all night and broke his previous mileage to set a new record of 426.4 miles.

The Male overall went to the all-time record-holder, Chris Ragsdale, with 502.6 miles, a spectacular performance for a 24-hour race. The women's overall by Nancy Guth of 349.2 was a record for the 55-59 age group. This was especially rewarding because our daughter was there to share the entire 24-hour experience and celebrate our success. Marti DuPlessis, from the Republic of South Africa, had a great ride with 335.2miles.

It was an emotional good bye to Obermeyers from all racers and crew. The Obermeyer's daughter spoke, giving tribute to the unfailing work and attention to every detail that occurred at the Obermeyer household for 364 days of the year; all focused towards the next National 24 hour Challenge. Now Obermeyers have time to achieve their own personal goals; Diane promised to return next year, with her daughter, as a rider. It will be special for all of us to ride with Diane and continue to support the tradition of achieving one's personal best that the Obermeyer's established. Racers and crew are so grateful for the 25 years they gave to the race and we appreciate the care they continued to show as they set up the race with a special board of directors for the coming year. We look forward to Father's Day weekend 2008!

Complete results