The summit of Pikes Peak can be a harsh environment, even in June. It’s also not necessarily the best place to take photos at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, especially considering the scenery available on the rest of the mountain. So why would I spend 10 hours dealing the thin air at 14,000 feet, near-freezing temperatures and 40 mph winds for ten hours? To capture history.
It was inevitable that the ten minute barrier would eventually be broken at Pikes Peak, and with the extra pavement added this year, it was almost certain that one of the top contenders in the Unlimited Class would break the mark. Reigning king of the mountain Monster Tajima was up to the task, smashing his own previous record with a time of 9:51.278. I was there to witness him cross the finish line, with camera in hand to capture the historic event. It was worth it.
