Canadian mother, son compete in 50-mile event

IRBY- A 14-year-old Canadian finished 62nd in the Stumpjumpers' 50-mile race Sunday, April 2.

Ryden Sanford of Eckville, Alberta, Canada, raced in the 15-and-younger division

Sanford raced with his mom, Amanda Sanford, who rode a TE 300i.

"I ran out of fuel at Mile 46," Ryden Sanford said. "I waited and wondered what to do, but another rider stopped and gave me his fuel."

Sandford said he ran out of fuel again at Mile 49 and another rider stopped to help.

He crossed the finish line at the two-hour mark.

Running out of fuel was one of many challenges presented to the young rider.

"Within the first five miles, I hit a rock," Sanford said. "Spooled it up and broke the front brake line right at the bars."

Sanford said brake fluid sprayed all over his face and he had no front brake for the duration of the race.

After two hours of issues with low fuel, he crossed the finish line.

The most challenging part of the race was the exhaustion from waiting and being hungry, he said.

Sanford has been attending the Desert 100 event with his mom since 2019.

He said it's a family sport. His mom, dad and twin brothers also race in Canada.