Stumbled Upon a Bike Race

Willow Springs Road is usually a quiet place to go for a gravel ride but not today.  We were passed by dozens of vehicles on their way to "24 Hours at the Old Pueblo" race.  Thankfully, a strong wind out of the north blew the dust away from us as each vehicle passed. After riding about 10 miles, we made a left turn and came upon.....

.....this.  Participants were in a long line, waiting for the start, which included running 400 yards to their bikes.  How fortunate to arrive 15 minutes before the gun sounded as meantime, 6 drones hovered overhead.  

A "town" had sprung up to support the race, riders, family & friends.  Participants numbered 2000 so at least another 1000 people were there.

There were many encampments scattered in every direction but most were clustered around the food/retail area.

The gun sounds and they're off.  Those at the front, run, those at the rear, walk.  In the group are solo riders or those who are doing the first 16 mile loop as part of a team.  Later I saw the winner of the team event did 24 laps, the solo male did 21 and solo female did 17.  While riders were on the course, their teammates, family and friends were.....

....in town and the celebrating had an early start.  The night scene must be especially wild.

We thought this outfit was especially interesting.

Amy posed in front of a metal saguaro.  

People checking out the participant list.

Many food and drink options.  The line in front of this place was especially long.  A pizza business had a trailer with a real, wood fired oven going.  It was a lot of fun to walk around but eventually, we got back on our bikes and headed back, finishing with 23 miles.