Greg Bryan / arizona daily star

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Mountain biker Susan Haywood was in for a surprise when she turned professional in 1998.

"I thought I was so good that I would start winning all the races when I turned pro. It was a big shock to not win," Haywood said. "The thing I had to learn was it is really hard out there."

Now in her final year of professional racing, the part time Tucson resident who also lives in Harrisonburg, Va., has established herself as one of the best in the sport.

"It's been awesome," said Haywood, a short-track national champion and Olympic team alternate. "It's been great but for me, it's time to figure out what the next stage in my life is."

Haywood, 36, will make her second appearance at the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo race this weekend. About 1,600 cyclists will ride a 17-mile single-track dirt loop near the town of Oracle on-and-off beginning at noon on Saturday. Racers with the most laps after 24 hours win their categories.

"A lot of high-caliber racers are coming here. Maybe they're not coming for the seriousness of it but it's a well put-on race," she said. "It's a nice way to get your racing season started."

Haywood will compete in the female duo class with partner Spring Clegg, a local rider she has known since 1999.

"I think I talked Spring into it because I had never done that class before. Things I haven't done appeal to me now," she said. "I think it's cool for girls to be on girls' teams."

She is confident in Born Famous, the team name for the Clegg-Haywood duo. To prepare for the 24-hour race, Haywood rides all around town from Agua Caliente Park, on the Northeast Side, to Gates Pass to the University of Arizona.

"Since I've done 24-hour races in the past, I know what to expect and that's an advantage," she said. "For someone that hasn't done them, you have to expect to not be in your comfort zone. You have to get up at 3 a.m. and be ready."

Three reasons Haywood is back racing in the Old Pueblo.

1. It's unique. "We never ride all day and all night. There is something special about seeing the sun set and the sun rise while you're riding your bike."

2. Girl power. "When you're just relying on you and your female partner, I think it brings out a different side to the women. You don't have the guy teammates to rely on."

3. The feeling. "The memories that you build with friends, the team, competitors, it gives you a good feeling. It makes you feel good about (the race)."