I’ve always had a lot of respect for people who enter an endurance event strictly with the goal of finishing. Often times, these people cross the finish line long after most other racers have loaded up their stuff and gone home.
Originally I was going to give the Surly Cross-check frame to the last place finisher. Since the last place finisher just happened to be my best friend, I decided I had to change that. I wouldn’t want anyone thinking we rigged the competition
I keep hearing all these stories about some guy named Chris Wood. Apparently he rode the Cedar Cross on a 26″ Specialized Hardrock Sport with rim-brakes, clearing the course at 8:22pm.
I think we have a winner. Chris Wood, you can go to Redwheel Bike Shop and tell Nick Smith you’re there to pick up your new bike frame.
Results will be posted soon. I’m just waiting to hear back from the people whose results I don’t have yet. For all I know, they’re still out there.
The Cedar Cross 
I’m gonna need to see some ID!
Is he the guy that was in kit with tennis shoes and flat pedals with straps?
Dude, we’re close, but we’re not THAT close. I’d be happy to stop being your friend if you give me that frame. 🙂
No, I took myself out of the running for the frame a long time ago, and I never dreamed I’d be the last finisher anyway. Besides, that dude deserves it WAY more than I do. Very cool, and congrats to Chris!
Congratuations Chris!
It was good riding with you during the race. It sounds like you got that equipment upgrade you were talking about.
My goal was to finish in the top 25 and then I showed up and noticed that I was one of only a handful of douchbags that showed up with a mountain bike and was way out of my league. At that point it became a personal adventure. Nick thanks for letting me draft you the last 25 miles! If not for that, I may still be out there.
I can tell you a little bit about “that Chris Wood guy” since I’ve known him since, well, quite a long time. He’s an honest banker which makes him kind of rare, and he’s just getting a good start in endurance sports. The new frame will give him a good start on his next equipment fix, and make it a lot easier to explain to his wife why he really, really needs the new wheels, and shifters, and brakes, and crankset.