Endurance, Pain, and Glory: Could You Race for 24 Hours, Ironwoman?

Endurance, Pain, and Glory: Erin Robinson Takes on Her First 24-Hour Ironman Off-Road Race

Erin Robinson of North Idaho has been riding since 2019, exploring dirt bikes, snow bikes, and street bikes while chasing every adventure she can find. Back in October 2025, Erin tackled something that pushed her limits in ways she never imagined: her first 24-hour off-road endurance race. What made it even more intense? Erin took on the race solo Ironwoman style. While 24-hour races are typically team events, Erin chose to race alone, officially competing in the Ironman category.

From Curiosity to Off-Road Addiction

When I asked Erin how she first got into off-roading, she said,
“My husband used to ride dirt bikes when he was younger and wanted to get back into it. I decided to join him, and that’s how it all started!”

She quickly caught the bug herself, falling in love with the freedom, adrenaline, and sense of adventure that comes with riding. As her skills grew, so did her appetite for bigger challenges.

When I asked about her favorite riding experience so far, Erin didn’t hesitate:
“Probably attempting the Tour of Idaho in 2023, a self-supported, 13-day challenge from southern Idaho to Priest Lake.”

Although a bike failure stopped the attempt on day ten, the experience was unforgettable. Over the course of the ride, Erin and her group covered 1,800 miles, saw some of the most beautiful terrain Idaho has to offer, and pushed themselves harder than ever before.

Even with all her experience, Erin has faced moments that tested her nerve. When I asked her about a scary situation she’s encountered, she described her Beta Xtrainer developing an air leak that caused the motor to run away uncontrollably.
“It was super terrifying,” she admitted. “I overcame it by learning how to stop a runaway motor and wearing earplugs when the engine noise gets overwhelming.”

Taking on the 24-Hour Race

When I asked Erin what made her decide to take on a 24-hour race, her answer came from experience and a little friendly competition.
“After riding 22 hours and 220 miles in a single day during the Tour of Idaho, I knew I could do this. Plus, my husband did the Ironman in 2024, and I was super jealous. I had to see if I could push myself the same way!”

The race kicked off with a chaotic start: riders had to sprint to their bikes, attach their seats, and hit the trail. Erin started fifth off the line, a solid position in most races but she knew that in off-road endurance racing, pacing matters more than speed, especially when racing solo.

Through the first few laps, she battled minor tip-overs, soreness, and fatigue. After lap three, she made a quick pit stop for fuel, a snack, and some ibuprofen before heading back out.

By lap four, Erin found her rhythm again, but not without frustration. When I asked about moments that tested her patience, she admitted that a rev-bomb incident with another rider left her fired up, resulting in a quick “angry cry” in the pits. Still, she refocused, climbed from ninth place to seventh, and kept pushing forward.

Night racing brought a whole new level of challenge. Staying awake, managing mental fatigue, and dealing with pain in her wrists and chafing became the real battle. Solo Ironman endurance racing meant every mile, every mistake, and every ache was hers alone to push through.

To stay alert, Erin got creative using caffeine-infused gel packs, changing into dry clothes when overheating, and leaning on mental toughness to keep moving. Despite the grueling conditions, she worked her way up to fifth place. At 5:30 a.m., Erin made the call to stop, proud of completing her first Ironman 24-hour off-road race.

Lessons from the Track

When I asked Erin what the biggest takeaway from the race was, her answer was honest and powerful.
“The mental challenge is just as intense as the physical one. You need a positive mindset, because once you start thinking, ‘Why am I doing this?’ that’s all you’ll think about.”

She added,
“You are stronger than you think. And just because someone is a man doesn’t mean they’re better than you, it’s not always the case.”

Girls Get Dirty Too

When I asked Erin what the Off Road Vixens motto, Girls Get Dirty Too, means to her, she said,
“It means we are not afraid to get muddy, push ourselves, and break a sweat for something we love.”

I also asked her to describe her riding style in three words.
“Adventurous, determined, unrushed.”

Before lining up at the start, Erin hypes herself up with music from Bring Me the Horizon, Bad Omens, and Catch Your Breath, setting the tone for the long race ahead.

Looking forward, Erin is currently building her snow bike for the season with powder coating, custom graphics, and a fresh kit. She enjoys sticking to local dirt bike races for their fun, low-stress atmosphere and strong sense of community.

When I asked if she had a motto she lives by, she smiled and said,
“Do it scared. You’ll probably never feel completely fearless when trying something new, so just go for it anyway.”

Erin is proudly sponsored by @509offroad and @509women, brands that support riders who aren’t afraid to push limits and chase big adventures. To follow Erin’s journey through off-road endurance racing, dirt bikes, and snow biking, you can find her on Instagram at @erin_robinson11.

The Takeaway

Erin Robinson’s first Ironman 24-hour race is proof that determination, preparation, and grit can overcome even the toughest challenges in women’s off-road motorsports. From adrenaline-filled starts to exhausting, pain-filled night laps, Erin showed what it truly means to race with heart, courage, and adventure.

For anyone dreaming of tackling their first 24-hour endurance race, getting into dirt bike racing, or simply pushing beyond their comfort zone, Erin’s story is a reminder: girls get dirty too and they get it done. 💪🏁