3 years, I did the 24 hrs of Great Glen in New Hampshire with some friends. We won the women's open division. I never thought that I would be interested in riding all day. I was so in awe of the person who soloed. Then in '99 my husband did 24 hrs of Allamuchy . He loved it. I crewed for him and was a little jealous of his delight. So naturally I wanted to try it too.

How many 24 hour races have you raced solo?

1 24 hour,
1 12 hour and
2 100K mountain bike races.

Did you do anything special to prepare for this race?

I volunteer as a mountain bike patroller for the Wissahickon Woods, Philly PA. The patrols are 5-hour shifts. I try to ride the entire time on the hardest trails. This summer wasn't very busy so I did a lot of long nonstop rides. It's a great way to get into shape and give back to the sport at the same time. I would encourage all distance racers to add this to their repertoire. You have to show up, and there is always someone to ride with! I am lucky in that my husband, my love of my life also loves to ride. Riding is just a natural part of our weekend time together.

In the last two months how many hours a week have you trained on average?

About 8 hours, usually on the weekends. I also commute to work 6 miles a day on a single speed BMX bike. I don't really train. I just like to ride.

Before this race what is the longest distance or number of hours you have ridden in one day?

15-½ hrs

How much actual riding time did you get in during the race?

I'm not sure, but I'd guess 19 hours or so.

Which was your hardest lap?

The first night lap I rode with the Strobe of my night-light due to a battery problem. It was pretty hard to see, and people kept asking me if I was all right. I had one of those Zen experiences where I literally had to feel the mountain. I learned my lesson and will be better prepared next time.

Which lap was the most fun for you?

My last night lap, I was so elated to see the Sun! What a difference being able to see makes!

How many miles did you go in 24 hours?

90 miles

Were you strong from start to finish?

My philosophy was to go out and just try to ride all day. I never rode hard I felt really great. I think I should have ridden harder and pushed myself. I'll try that next time.

Did you have a good support crew?

I had my 70 something Father-in-law. He was awesome. The other solo riders were jealous. He didn't know anything about bikes but was so attentive. He always made sure we had plenty of food and water. He's an inspiration too. Sunday he just completed the Philly ½ marathon.

What did you eat during the race?

Bananas, Oranges, Cliff Bars, diet Pepsi with caffeine (I don't drink coffee) and my all time favorite Whoopee Pies!

Did you change clothes, shower, or nap during the race?

I was a little too lazy in the hygiene department. I changed my shirt and shorts once. Just say no to napping. I was too worried I would never wake-up! I LOVE to sleep!

Did you have any unusual problems with the race?

At one point my mental capacity was impaired enough so that I could not coordinate the installation of my recharged battery. I also spaced out and carried a battery I was supposed to have recharged. Oops!

I have raced up and down the east coast and have found that the racers in this race were unusually sportsmanlike and pleasant.... did you experience the same thing?

Yes, exactly. I think it was because of Sarah the race director. She had this attitude that the event was first and foremost about having fun and watching out for your fellow competitors. It's nice to race in an atmosphere where everyone is so supportive. The race is so well run! I think that 's why it seemed so appealing to me when I saw my husband's race in '99.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Absolutely. She had a great group of volunteers and the organization was excellent. The overall atmosphere was very neighborly. All of the people I met were cool. I later met up with this guy in the middle of the night who asked me if my lights were OK, yeah I kept reassuring him, even though it was clear too him I was running on my strobe. Later we passed a rider who was stuck in the dark trying to make his way on the trail. The guy pulled over and gave him a light! Wow, how cool was that!

If you could do the race again, would you do anything differently?

Yes, I'd eat more while riding, have better lights/batteries, and ride a little harder.

It is rumored that you will be competing in the 24 Hour Solo World Championships at the end of this month. Do you think you will be recovered fully by then?

Yes, I don't really train. I just like to ride. I'm going to try to learn from my past mistakes and do a little better. I am sure there will be plenty of people to push me.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Allamuchy was a blast. I think it's a great race to try if you like rocky technical trails. Please respect the trails and don't forget to participate in trail work. Ride on!

Congratulations Eileen and thanks for the interview! Best of luck in the World 24hour Solo Championships!