A big cycling event, billed as “The Toughest 48 Hours in Sport” wrapped up Sunday.
Called the Silver State 508 - the 508 mile long race is completed in 48 hours or less!
This year, nearly 100 racers pedaled from Reno to Eureka - and back. All the riders are followed - digitally - with a sophisticated tracking system; "Every rider has one. It'll pick up a signal every five minutes,” explains race director Robert Panzera.
The trackers are vital because much of the course is through rural Nevada and only some riders are part of a two or four person team. Others ride completely alone - day and night for 48 hours. Most are endurance athletes, like Rebecca Eckland, who just completed her fourth Silver State 508. But even Rebecca admits this weekend's winds were especially fierce; "It's not for the faint of heart. I will say there were a few moments on Geiger Grade, that I was like 'oh, my goodness.'”
Panzera says the event draws an equal amount of men and women - of all ages - and is gaining popularity and support in northern Nevada; "We've been very welcomed by the Nevada Highway Patrol, the Sheriff's - we go through six counties, also NDOT."
The Silver State 508 will return again next September.
