Gold Rush 24 Hour Challenge 2004

see results below.

The race took competitors across Lake Don Pedro to the spectacular Wards Ferry Bridge where boats were left behind. On foot, competitors worked their way up the rugged canyon of the Tuolumne River to the climb site where a 60 ft rappel awaited them.  Continuing up the canyon by some good scrambles on the riverside rocks, competitors reached the North Fork tributary and headed steeply up Paper Cabin Ridge. Passing historic Paper Cabin itself, they followed the high ridge with wide vistas until darkness fell. The last two checkpoints of the section and the descent to ACP2 at Hunter Creek provided challenges of thick brush and not as map trails. Taking to the bikes, teams rode varying courses, depending on their time of arrival at the ACP. Teams Subaru and Carbones rode almost the full course while Know Fear skipped one loop. The remaining teams tackled the shorter course. Approaching ACP2 , team ODM incurred a minor injury and dropped after accepting a ride into Hunter Creek. Pony Express was the first team into ACP 3 and set off down the old rail road grade, a hike involving some delicate navigation and entertaining terrain in the dark. The historic railroad had not been used in 100 years and was well camouflaged in places. Once across the Tuolumne River, the racers switched back to bikes to cycle the better maintained railroad grade that was a mere 40 years out of service.  Team Subaru chased Pony Express for first place on the road as the teams cycled back to Wards Ferry Bridge and the final paddle to the finish.

Pony Express stayed ahead of Subaru across the finish line but dropped to fourth on final totals. Sac and the Carbones kept racing and finished second. Know fear put on a strong performance to gain 3^rd place and first masters. Coming in close behind were teams Portable Suns and Omega made up of two teens and led by twin teachers from San Diego, Jason and Andy Magness. Everyone was impressed by the efforts of these youthful teams. Sputnick overtook team Loco who flagged on the final bike leg with an injured teammate. Sadly team Loco finished incomplete by the smallest of margins.

Thanks to our registration host ‘Trailhead Outfitters’ of Modesto and the Stanislaus Forest, Lake Don Pedro agencies and Moccasin Marina and to our great volunteers.

Thanks

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