Team Diamondback's Wayne Highsmith
Determination
A rider, clothed in a jersey and shorts that look freshly laundered, rises out of the saddle and powers up a short but steep incline. His chiseled jaw and sinewy form redefine “determination.”
This description could easily fit any of the five members of the Furnace Creek 508 lead pack. Off the front rides Andrew “Blowfish” Bohannon, maintaining a lead that he has held since the summit of Townes Pass. Jeff “Landshark” Landauer, overcoming earlier intestinal distress, rides with purpose in second place. Mounting a whale of an effort, Sam “Beluga” Baugh rides looking the freshest of all, despite his pain.
“This rough road is killing my knees,” comments the Beluga. He’s not alone. The incredibly rough chipseal road surface begins just outside of Baker and continues for 35 miles. Smoother roads lie ahead. Salvation awaits the riders in just under 100 miles.