ATVR: Did you pre-run to get an idea of what was to come?
RB: No, driving out from Georgia took quite a bit of my time. I figured I already had 1050 miles to ride in two days, so I had better not push it. I made it to Ensenada and got some needed rest before tackling the desert.
ATVR: I've heard horror stories about Baja; did any ghosts haunt you while you were alone and miles away from the next pit?
RB: No ghosts, but I was haunted by the dust and rocks that caused a couple of flats. The left front tire was pinched against a rock hidden in the dust around mile 250, leaving me wrestling with the front end. The right rear was soon to follow, drastically slowing my pace and punishing my muscles. The next pit was no help - they didn't have a replacement. So, I had no choice but to continue at this pace for about a hundred miles. A bent tie-rod also became a factor later in the race again making steering difficult. The rough rocks continually stressed my arms, hands and shoulders. I had a tingling sensation in my hands that only got worse as the track was destroyed by the trucks. The last few hundred miles were long but my body had relaxed by then and I was able to continue with no other problems.
ATVR: Sleep has to be a factor; at what point did you stop to sleep?
RB: I stopped about four times to take a break and get some food in my system, but I never went to sleep. While I ate, my crew worked on my machine and I pushed on. I carried Power Bars and ate while I was riding to keep my energy level up. I was awake for a total of 46 hours straight.
ATVR: 39 hours in the saddle is a long time, how did you deal with this mentally?
RB: I just tried to remain focused on riding and not thinking about how much further I had to go. I had come a long way to be the first to finish this race solo and I did not plan to have to try again next year. I had a ton of sponsors behind me that I didn't want to let down, not to mention my crew that had come all this way to support me. Don't get me wrong, I was counting down those last miles, but the thrill of the finish had my adrenaline flowing and I was feeling no pain.
ATVR: Tell us a little about your chase crew.
RB: There were two of them with one truck, my good buddies Kerry Harkins from Dahlonega and Brent Tower from Dawsonville. I would like to let those guys know how much I appreciate them and thank them for all their support. Without them I would have never made it out of Georgia.
ATVR: They sound like a couple of great guys. The truck Bryan Nylander was in was behind them early on south of Ensenada and from his story you may want to consider letting them ride the quad with you next race. I hear their pace was quite respectable. Any tips for the guys planning to give a Baja solo run a try?
RB: Beating a pro team with five fresh riders single-handed is near impossible, so ride your own pace and make it to the finish. Reliability is your best factor, use good judgment and don't forget your hydration system. A minor mistake leading to a problem like a bent steering stem or damaged suspension will make riding the next 600 miles difficult, so stay focused. Carry a satellite phone on the quad and in the chase trucks in case of an emergency. Also, remember you are not alone out there, keep an eye out for the trucks and buggies that can sneak up on you when you least expect them. They can ruin your day.
ATVR: Will we be hearing the name Richie Brown again in the future?
RB: I hope so; I have no plans to stop riding anytime soon.
ATVR: Well, we will keep a look out for you. Good luck.