Andy and Justin set up the official Signage.
A precursor of things to come - Andy's stricken Explorer spills its guts on the tarmac.
A tranquil scene at the 2011 Crescent Challenge.
We found most of that PBR in Ryan's camelback.
Justin - that's the problem with those rooftop racks - you need to be sure and remember your front wheel too.
The navigator, out of concern for bears, packed some Ms. Whoopass ! pepper spray on the ride.
Gaines, Justin, Kent - not sure what to make of Greg's attire.
Kent Peggram - multi-time Crescent Challenger
Probably why they called it a horse trail...
The Kawasaki - prostrate on the operating table.
Lee Cunningham - yes, you are getting ready to go up my friend.
Robert grimaces, Andy and Justin pray - just before the adventure ride commences.
Road Closed does not mean Trail Closed.
"Robert - if they catch us - DENY everything !"
Does that bike go uphill too ?
Andy, flaunting the rules as usual, did his best to lure in some Bears to our camp site.
A brief siesta midway through the adventure ride.
"Guys - I don't think we are going to complete this ride today"
Riders underway again following successful repairs to Andy's stricken Kawasaki.
Repairs on the Kawasaki are underway.
Charles Cannon - multi time Challenger.
Ryan and Charles Hike-a-biking.
Navigator - navigating the "meadow of uncertainty".
Ceremonial bonfire in full glory.
Jaeger Bombs - the beverage of choice at the Crescent Challenge.
Herr Eimer and Justin - all smiles on the descent.
Crescent Challenge - Old School and proud of it.
Let the bullshit commence...
Mobley is the first to taste the ceremonial Stew created by young Justin.
Challengers frantically trying to get the stewpot going after the adventure ride.
Mobley - feeling refreshed after toying with us all day.
Justin Williams - multi-time Challenger, chief Stew Cook in 2011.
Robert Eimer - returning from Germany for the 2012 event.
Kip's guard-dog homes in on the scent of a Black Bear.
Greg on the descent from the Mt. Mitchell summit Saturday afternoon.
Charles' playing lulls Robert to sleep...
Harsh conditions at the Mt. Mitchell summit on Saturday afternoon.
flora and fauna on Mt. Mitchell
Andy Roberson - Crescent Challenge co-founder and chief organizer of the 2011 event.
Ryan Haynes - veteran of four Crescent Challenges.
Charles Cannon - staff musician.
Calhoun Clark - co-founder, webmaster, and general critic.
Saturday night, post adventure ride.
Robert Mobley - veteran of five Crescent Challenges.
Greg and Gordon mug for the camera on the way to the summit.
Them's not cross-country bikes.
Gordon Crain prepares to sample the trout fishing nearby.
Mt. Mitchell, NC
Lee Cunningham - nothing gets this man down.
Rime ice on the summit ridge of Mt. Mitchell.
All signs lead to the Crescent Challenge.
Greg brews coffee Sat a.m.
Holt Smith - has not missed a single Crescent Challenge.
Justin's stew - only the freshest ingredients.
Greg and Lee take shelter on the summit.
BBQ -aka "Freedom Food".
Bragg takes a brief timeout to direct a CIA field operation.
A moment of contemplation.
Several challengers listen intently to one of Kip Smith's many stories.
Ryan and Kip spent Sunday night somewhere on this ridge braving 60mph gusts.
Kip Smith - raconteur, sailor, bike shop owner and rider.
brrrrr