Team Great Divide, consisting of Greg Wirth, Meghan Trainor, Russ Gates, Bill Ramsay and John and Leah Tietz, took second place in a continuous 24-hour mountain bike race at Grand Targhee Aug. 23.

The course climbed for the first half mile, followed by some awesome singletrack with undulating terrain with ruts, rocks and loamy soils -- nothing extremely technical but not gentle enough to let your focus wander.

The race started with just under 30 total teams or individual riders that quickly separated with the early climb. Wirth completed the first 7.6-mile lap in 40 minutes, and Russ Gates headed off on his single speed. The elevation -- 8,000 feet -- provided a significant element on the intense course.

Team members continued through the rotation. On Ramsay's second leg at around 9 p.m. members decided to take two laps to provide additional sleeping time for teammates.

The night shifts headed off into the black abyss on bikes with lights. For a few it was their first time riding at night. Ridiculously, crazy fun, getting up in the middle of the night to go ride your bike!

The Sunday morning riders were treated to a Teton sunrise glory ride, and the team made it through the darkness with no difficulties and even had the bonus of a moose and fox encounter. Ramsay headed out on what the team expected to be its final lap, but he smoked the course and came in with 1:30 to spare.

The team completed 28 total laps.

This event provided a great mix of recreation, intensity, relaxation and camaraderie; it was a great effort with a great group of people.