Hoodoo 500 Race Report 2025

2024, last year, at the age of 43, was the first time I had gone up and over the Cascade Mountains and into the Eastern side of Washington State. The route I rode was Steven’s Pass Hwy or Hwy 2. Elevation on bike, 4,061 feet. That ride and one trip up Crater Lake in Oregon the year prior was the extent of my experience at altitude. If you have not read my race report from Hoodoo 500, 2024 I’ll sum it up. Altitude sickness. 44 hours and 30 minutes of the perpetual feeling of wanting to vomit, a never-ending headache, labored breathing, hallucinations, micro sleep (while wide awake), and limbs that felt like the weight of the world that refused to cooperate with my brain.

Fast forward to 2025! Now 44, I can proudly say I have finally been to Eastern Washington, Idaho, Eastern Oregon, and UTAH! I have ascended to great heights and taken the bike places I never imagined. However, I have not done any of that since the last Hoodoo 500. To prepare for Hoodoo 2025 I was relying on my work commutes, the same old training plan I had been using on Zwift since 2023, and some newly added heat training, both active and passive. In retrospect, it all worked out! I did not start feeling the effects of the altitude this year in Utah until ascending well over 8k feet. But I will get to that part soon. Let’s start from the beginning.

It is the morning of race day, and l was feeling good, however, I did have some GI issues (a polite way to say the #$%^s). But that was not out of the ordinary for something so nerve wracking. Sometimes leaving the office after a shift back home prompts the same feeling. The stretch on 172^nd is extremely hostile and my nerves seem to trigger a response from my colon, no big deal.

Just as I was headed to the start line outside the host hotel, I had to go one more time! I thought for sure, that was the end of it.

The first 6-ish miles of the race are neutralized. All of us unsupported cats just soft pedaling and talking story. Once we hit Southern Parkway, we can start playing bikes. I had already been dropped! Literally, once we hit the Parkway, I looked up and everyone was gone. I did not mind though; I just kept a steady pace. I would end up passing a few folks, some 300-mile riders, a couple 500-mile riders.

To my surprise, when I started to climb Hurricane, there was a rider about 40 meters in front of me. Holy crap, it was Leah Goldstien! I decided to hang back and stay where I was. It was a fabulous pace. Reaching the top of Hurricane the street levels out a bit with a gradual gradient. During this stretch on Hwy 59, I would be sure to keep myself no less than 20 meters behind Leah. In my head I thought this could be a real learning experience. Or, I had the potential of becoming a great annoyance for any rider that had some rando just following them at a creepy enough distance.

At about mile 50, I was feeling so excited! I was feeling so good. I had taken so many photos (including one with Leah in front of me, because no one would believe it). I was ready to absolutely crush last years’ time and learn from the legend in front of me! Then, I had to fart. Time stopped. We have all been there. I know we have all been there. Unfortunately, it was not just a fart. As I stood over my saddle, I immediately stopped pedaling. My face went straight with a couple blinks of my eyes. I thought to myself, maybe I can hold this until the first time-station at Mt. Carmel…Maybe this is not as bad as it seems. I sat back down and continued to follow the epic rider in front of me.

Several miles had passed, and it was becoming increasingly evident that this was not something I was going to be able to “Hold In”. It was even becoming urgent to the point that I panicked, and to reach the bathroom at the all too familiar Border Store (2024 race report reference) as fast as possible, I passed Leah. Unsurprisingly, that effort was very sad. Leah would end up effortlessly going around me. However, we got to exchange fun words and express to one another how terrible and dangerous that stretch of the road was. I would yell supportive words to Leah as I slowed down to pull into the Boarder Store. It did not take long to take care of business there. I was back on my bike in no time! Sadly though, I would not realize until I wanted to text my sister, that I had left my phone in the bathroom at the Boarder Store. A million thoughts went through my head as I turned around to go back to get my phone. Thankfully, someone had turned it in to the cashier.

Reaching time-station one, I was feeling great! Completely opposite from how I felt exactly one year prior. I hopped off the bike and headed inside to grab replenishment for my bottles and few extra of my faves!

Heading towards time-station two we stay on US 89 for a good stretch, and from Mt. Carmel Junction, there is a bit of climbing. During this stretch and not long after leaving the time-station, I would be passed by a support crew. I could see on the crew’s vehicle, LEFTY! It was Matthew Lefthand’s crew! Holy mackerel, Lefty had not passed me the previous year until nearly turning onto UT-12 from US 89. Much closer to time-station two! At this pace, he was 100% going to annihilate his previous time. I had my phone out and recording. I knew he was coming, and he would fly by! I mean, lord, have you seen him ride?

Continuing along US 89, I would be passed by several supported solo riders. It was always fun. Their support crews would be stopped waiting to support their rider, but they would be cheering me on as I pass. Again, I was feeling good, I was keeping a steady pace and with the BEEP from my Garmin every 30 minutes, I would be drinking and snacking. Then, I had to fart. I did not think anything of it as I thought I was on “E” after the Boarder Store incident. While climbing, I stood out of the saddle to let one rip. The unthinkable happened. I tried to stop it, but it was too late. I sat back down. That is a feeling I never EVER want to feel again. The chaffing was immediate, at least it felt that way. I knew I needed to get to the nearest toilet, ASAP! There was absolutely no way I could get out the saddle again. I saw a sign for a rest stop. Not far at all! YES, okay, everything would be okay, I would just stop at the rest stop and clean myself up. Wait, where is the rest stop? What is going on! I realized the rest stop was on the other side of the road and I had my focus in front of me and to the right. I had passed it, and I really did not want to turn around, again. I would just hit up the next petrol station. However, there were no stations. I kept pedaling in hopes of seeing a sign for anything that may have a bathroom. The situation was getting more urgent and after riding for a bit, the chaffing was indescribable. There was a break in guard rails and barriers along the shoulder. At that moment, a support crew passed me again. I looked back and did not see their rider anywhere in sight. I looked to my right and saw a steep bank with several small tress. I stopped and laid the bike down a few feet from the shoulder. I proceeded to trek down the bank and found a spot that seemed out of sight, at least I hoped so. It was so steep, and, in a panic, I stopped facing down the bank. I grabbed one of the small trees to keep myself from falling, squatted with my rear sadly at the higher point of the bank, used my free hand to pull down my shorts and proceeded to “blow up” the bank. It was an awful situation. Gravity was moving things in the wrong direction.

Funny enough I had planned for situations just like this. Well, not just like this. I had brought biodegradable tushy tissues and wipes that are called “Wipe That Tush”. They are great and so handy for a multitude of reasons. However, I kept them in a very deep pocket on the inside of my hydration pack. And as I mentioned above, I am holding on with one hand to a tree to keep me from falling down the bank. In addition, I really did not want to try to stand up and potentially expose myself to all passer byes, nor did I want to pull my shorts back up in the current environment. I looked left, looked forward, then looked right. YES! It was what appeared to be a deciduous tree with broader leaves! Like a sprig of thyme, I ran my free hand down several branches of that tree to get bunches of leaves and proceeded to……. Well, I am sure you do not need a description.

Back on the bike and only a couple of minutes later, a solo supported rider passed me. Thank God, he had not passed five minutes sooner. Proceeding along US 89 towards UT-12 it turned into fun rollers, and in the distance, I could see a rider I had not seen before. At this point it was raining on and off and up ahead, big dark clouds with tons of lightning! When turning onto UT-12 I kept my eyes out for a bathroom. I still felt some urgency and really needed to freshen up.  There was a fabulous Sinclair station on the opposite side of the road with separate bathrooms. There was plenty of room for the bike outside and no line! Leaving Sinclair station and heading towards the bike path the sky opened. The wind was nuts, thunder and lightning, and the rain was comical! It was more like a water park than rain. Climbing on the bike trail kept me warm, but I knew once I got to time-station two, I would need to put on some warm gear before the screaming descent heading towards Escalante. When entering the bike path, I would end up passing a fellow Voyager, who I now know was Marshall N. He is an amazing rider and so encouraging. Marshall and I would end up crossing paths again at both time-station two and three.

Continuing along UT-12 towards Escalante, the rain stopped, and the sun started to shine again. I would stop a couple times to take off layers. The surroundings were stunning, and I was not about to miss the opportunity to take photos and video. It was wonderful. However, I experienced a great deal of harassment from men in their pickup trucks on this stretch. They would be yelling out their window, holding their horns, and several “Coal Rolling” me.

Pulling into the Escalante time-station felt like a party! Volunteers, Matt L. and Brett W. were freaking rock stars and hilarious. While there, I replenished my food and drink and sat down to eat a snack. I was feeling a bit run down, but well. Though my colon was acting all crazy, I had no cramping and no stomach turning. However, that will all change in the coming hours.

Preparing to leave time-station three I would see Marshall again. He was so kind and looked great! I said to him as I rode away, okay probably see you in Bicknell! There is a lot of climbing leaving Escalante. Its beauty distracts enough to forget the pain you may be feeling in the legs and lungs. Heading towards Boulder I would be leapfrogged, several times, by a support crew for a solo rider. It almost felt like I had a crew of my own, as they would cheer me on each time! What a morale booster.

Ascending Boulder would be the first time I started to feel the familiar feelings of Hoodoo 2024. Nearing 9,600 ft, my head felt like it was going to implode, my limbs felt so heavy and uncooperative, my breathing felt erratic, and I felt extremely nauseated. Much like last year, I would stop several times, except this time it was not fixing flats. The weather was constantly changing. I would put on my jacket, then stop to take off my jacket. Also, I was still in the same shorts that I started with. The chaffing was real, and I would stop to apply some chamois cream. It was dark out by this point.

Getting to Bicknell, I started to feel like myself again, but still with a bit of underlying nausea. I was excited to stop at the same soda vending machine I had stopped at the year prior. I am not sure why, but I love to have a soda or two on these long epic rides. I stopped at the familiar auto parts and repair shop and grabbed myself a soda and a Gatorade. I filled up my bottle with Gatorade and drank the soda. Hopping on the bike I just toodled along through the town on UT-24 while eating a Cliff Bar.  Then, the craziest thing happened! As I swallowed that last piece of Cliff Bar, I gagged. Just like when brushing your teeth and the toothbrush gets a little too far in your mouth. Honestly, I did not know what to think of it. It really threw me for a loop. A few pedal strokes later, projectile vomit was spewing out of my face. The velocity for which it came out my mouth was insane! The sound I made while it was happening was theatrical. I watched it shoot several feet in front of me landing on my front wheel and then, the slapping sound of it hit the street. All the while, I am still pedaling. I could not help but giggle, thinking whoever rides up this way will know that it is vomit and probably ask themselves, WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED HERE!?

During the next couple of hours, I would leapfrog team support vehicles. The team sag cars are the most fun. The crew and riders are so silly and supportive. It was the witching hour at this point and typically my favorite time to be on the bike. But the next few hours would end up being the hardest of the whole race.

At this point I was feeling awful. I could eat and drink, but I just felt downright gross. However, I thought for sure there was no way anything could be left in my colon! Then I had to fart. While turning left onto Browns Ln (fitting), while costing downhill I lifted my bottom off the saddle slightly. Oh my, not again. I am not proud to say this, but I can say with 100% confidence, as an adult, I have shat myself seven times. However, the first five times were from my love of dairy all the while being lactose intolerant. I just really love ice cream. This whole situation was a mystery!

Alright, I needed to find a dark corner so I could go into crouching tiger hidden dragon again. But we were in a small town, and I could not shake any of these team vehicles or riders! I slowed down to allow what was hopefully the last team vehicle and rider pass me. I found a corner on the other side of the road with tall grass and a telephone pole. This time I took off all my layers and grabbed my roadside toiletries out of my hydration pack. I propped myself up on a telephone pole and…. Well, you get the picture.

I took my time getting back on the bike. I texted my sister and my friend, Jan. Two amazing women that I knew I could be super open with. My texting them was equivalent to a child falling. My text was me looking up waiting for a response. All I wanted was for someone to tell me that it is okay to stop. It is okay to DNF. It is okay. But instead, the first text I got was from my sister. And, essentially it was, suck it up. You got this.

Alright. Onward to Panguitch. The weather would continue to be all kinds of crazy as the morning light approached. Also, I came inches from riding into the side of a monster size deer! That woke my ass up. The deer and I both seemed surprised.

Just as I did last year, before turning on Center Street to time-station five, I hit up the corner store for a cup of noodles and a toothbrush (mine fell out somewhere). Similarly to Escalante, the volunteers were amazing! Two cool cats, Evan G. and Shelby W. They were so accommodating and kind. While pulling into the Econo Lodge parking lot I could not believe what I was seeing. Leah G. was there! WTF. How? I thought for sure she would be descending Cedar Breaks by now. However, it was much earlier than I expected, and she was just leaving. I would be there for about an hour. While at Panguitch I stripped off my shorts and socks, used the tub to wash my butt and my feet, reapply chamois cream, put on new shorts and socks, then sat down to eat. No dumpster diving this year!

Holy mackerel, I left Panguitch feeling great! Well, maybe not great, but I was feeling good. That was important, because by leaving Panguitch you start climbing up to Brian Head immediately. Last year I walked what had to of been 95% of the climb, but this year, I rode all of it! Like climbing Boulder the previous night, I started to feel the effects of the altitude, but it was not until approaching 10,000 feet. It was a completely different experience. Even descending Cedar Breaks was more fun this year. I suspect it was because of the storms that kept rolling through and it was much earlier in the day. There was far less vehicle traffic. The only time I stopped was to put on my jacket and coat before descending.

When I reached the bottom, I stopped for a moment and sat on a curb next to a park. I was feeling nauseous again after being so high up on the mountain. While sitting there, I was looking up at Brian Head and there was a huge storm rolling through. I thought to myself how lucky I was to descend Cedar Breaks before that storm. I do not know why I thought that storm was not heading my way. I took off my layers and proceeded to Cedar City. Then, minutes later, I was met with a gnarly headwind, thunder, lightning, and what felt like hail! I stopped to put back on the layers I had just taken off. IDIOT!

Arriving at station six, at Mavericks. I hopped off the bike to grab some snacks and finally use the bathroom, on my own terms. I’m the boss! Leaving time-station six I really do not have many positive things to say. I very much despise the 27-ish mile stretch of UT-56 W. However, about 5 miles from my next left on Main St. I could see the coolest storms happening ahead. It looked like a scene from a movie. The sky was dark. You could see the streaks of rain and which way the wind was pushing them. The lightning was rapid and continuous, and you could feel the rumbles of thunder. Sadly, I had not realized it at the time, but that was exactly where I was going. Not so cool now, huh. When turning left onto Main Street, all hell broke loose. The storm was like nothing I have ever experienced. I had to put my foot down at times because I could not see. I would be pushed around by the wind and at times blinded by the lightning because it was so close! While winding my way along Bench Rd and UT-18 S I watched as the storm just kept circling back. It never ended. Literally. The torrential rain did not stop until reaching Snow Canyon.

Before reaching the second to last climb I saw a rider ahead. I had no idea who it would be. As I got closer, I knew straight away who it was. It was Lap L! My Washington State brethren! I was so excited. Last year my sister and I sat with Lap Lai and his granddaughter at the banquet and got to know them. They are both amazing humans. It is moments like these that show my true colors. Deep down I am not a competitive person. Even when racing on Zwift, if the opposing teams’ ladies get dropped, I will go back to get them. I mean it is far more fun with more racers. I wanted so much to chat with Lap. I would greet him, ride past and then U-turn just to chat a little more. Understanding how that could get annoying, I continued towards the finish. 

Since being caught up in the endless torrential rains I noticed my electronic rear derailleur was not functioning correctly. In addition, my Garmin had started malfunctioning as well. The rain was so insane when descending on UT-18 I could only keep one eye partially open. When a vehicle passed, it would be impossible to even use that one eye! It was a tsunami!

While on UT-18 my Garmin read 497 miles. It was at that moment it started rerouting for some reason then it would start telling me to turn right, but my next right was supposed to be on Snow Canyon Drive. The only rights available to me were property or small roads. I was extremely confused. I stopped then turned around the way I came to see if my Garmin would catch back onto the route, it was showing some crazy stuff at that moment. I pulled over to the end of a bike trail on the other side of the road. I attempted to call and text Debs without luck as there was no service. I also attempted to get onto Ride with GPS or Maps. But all without success. Then, I hear a voice. Hey, are you lost? It was Lap! No freaking way. I told Lap that my Garmin stopped working and I have no services. I am not familiar and did not want to keep riding, fearing I would go way off course. I had not realized it at the time, but getting off course at that moment and in that area would have very difficult. But we live and we learn. Lap allowed me to follow him to Snow Canyon Drive! I made sure to keep my distance. Who am I kidding Lap is a hustler, I could not keep up with him on the last climb up to Snow Canyon Drive.

Lap shouted at me to not forget to call Debs before descending. Funny, at Snow Canyon I had service again and saw that Debs had texted me that Lap was in the area and to follow him to Snow Canyon.

I tried to go as hard and fast as I could down to St. George. I wanted to come in before the end of the hour. At the time I thought it was the 39^th hour, but really it was the 40^th. I had managed to reload the route back onto my Garmin, but the dang thing was still stroking out! I was on South Dixie Drive, and it kept telling me to take a left onto South Dixie Drive. I stopped at an intersection. I had an out loud conversation with my Garmin about South Dixie Drive and how it needs to get its shit together. I would call Debs one more time and in true Derp Derp fashion, let her know that I think I was facing the wrong direction and based on the maps, I could not tell if I climb up left or straight and that there was a Mercedes dealership across the street. I honestly had no idea even which direction I was facing. It was late, dang it. She laughed and said I can see your dot, you are right here, just climb up that little hill, let’s go! So, that is what I did. As I got to the intersection of Black Ridge Drive and South Bluff, to my delight I saw Ms. Shelby! She had hit the walk button for me! She waved me down to be sure I was going the correct direction (see, this is why I don’t drive, much). As I approached the finish, all I could think about was being in the hour. I saw that big ole clock next to the finish banner and it read 21:57!

At the finish I still had on my puffy coat and Deb would not let me take it off until she got a photo with me in it. I can see why, it was 90 degrees F. I really did not notice at the time. But later when taking my coat off, it was covered in white salt lines! A puffy coat!

While writing this report, it is still a mystery what caused my GI issues prior to the start of the race, that progressively got worse the following 24 hours. Maybe it was something I ingested at the restaurant the night prior, maybe I had a bug, maybe Utah hates me. Whatever the cause, it made for an extremely eventful race. Just remember when seeing another rider, no matter how cool, composed, or strong they may seem, they might literally be going through some shit.