Rick Hunter, a 34-year-old frame-builder from Santa Cruz, California, is riding one of the more unique bicycles in the race. The beautiful steel frame (of his own creation) features drop handlebars and no suspension whatsoever, making it appear more appropriate for asphalt trundles than a 2,500-mile off-pavement race. The bike should be fast on the smoother stretches, though, and Curiak pegged Hunter as a possible contender before the race began. It remains to be seen how Hunter holds up to the abuse of rough dirt roads for days on end.