Brook Henderson

Introduction: The infamous 508. A very popular ultra cycling event, but one I have never done.  Until 2020. My exposure to the 508 first started in 2011 when my friend Marc Patton told me about the Furnace Creek 508. (Marc's responsible for getting me into doing double centuries.) I read the website and racer ride reports, and even went to Townes Pass in 2012 to watch the racers summit the long climb. I was aware the race was moved to Nevada in 2014 and renamed the Silver State 508. So, it's been on my radar for a long time. However, when Hoodoo 500 added a 300 mile distance in 2013, I used that as a springboard for getting into the ultra cycling events. It's no secret I fell in love with Hoodoo 500 . The 508 just never seemed to get on the To Do List each year. Part of my reluctance to do SS508 (and RAO, which I also did this year) is the need to get crew to support you. But, SS508 had added a self-supported "randonneur" division , which had me thinking about it...

The Good: I averaged 15.4 mi/hr moving pace; fastest pace for me ever at Hoodoo. The Bad: I had four flats in the first 190 miles; had to put on a new tire in Escalante. The Ugly: I spent 9.5 hours stopped! bike path approaching Bryce National Park Ride data: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/5464907208 https://ridewithgps.com/trips/55392681 The event: Hoodoo 500… I love it. The route is a large counter-clockwise loop, starting and ending in St. George, Utah. It’s a tough course of over 510 miles and 29k feet of elevation gain. The scenery is varied, expansive, and awe inspiring. (And that’s just the tiny bit of it I actually see when I’m not busy staring at my front wheel!) Roughly 85% of the course is above 5,000 feet of elevation. The two highest points are 9,910 feet and 9,600 feet. Check out the Hoodoo 500 official website course description for more course details. course map and elevation profile The “Voyager” division consists of the folks who ride the entire cours...