Stupid 50

Went out to State College this past weekend for the Stupid 50. I had no plans to race it. I just tagged along with Marc, Matt, Buddy and Fitzy who all did race. Wes's parents so kindly put us up for the night. So that was really cool of them.

Shortly after arriving we grabbed a bite and headed off to ride some of the course. I had expressed my concern to Wes as I knew it was rocky and basically they scare me. He assured me I'd be fine and we headed off.As we drove in further and deeper into the forest (yes forest, not woods) it got hillier and hillier (mountains really). My concern grew, but I kept an open mind. Our ride started out up a long dirt road which turned into an 18 min climb for me. Yeah, by now my concern was really monstrous. I thought my head was going to pop off. Then we went into the woods. Immediately there were rocks, then wet rocks, then moss covered wet rocks. Before long I was walking. I started saying, "maybe you should point me back and you guys can keep going". But they said "it'll get better, just needed to relax. It's just a quick ride". 10 miles, 2 hours, about a bazillion "oh my's" and some other choice words, numerous more climbs and many more rocks, and me and Fitzy almost getting lost and we were finally done.

State College whooped my ass and I didn't even race!Sunday I went around with Ryan, his mom and Nancy. It was great being with someone who knew the area. Ryan would check the map and we'd take off to another spot just as the lead men were coming through. I have to hand it to everyone that did that race. It was brutal. Wes did awesome, he got 3rd overall and won the singlespeed class finishing in 4.5 hours! Matt was next to come in from our group. When I saw him about a third of the way in he was looking spry and definitely in a groove. He managed to keep that groove and finish 15th.Buddy came next, he rounding out the top 20. I felt bad because his beer he given me had gotten warm. But he was prepared and had a cold one waiting once he cleaned up. Marc came in a few minutes later. I was a little concerned since he wasn't looking so great the last time I saw him as he ripped his now broken MP3 player out his pocket saying it wasn't his day. Then I started getting reports from people that were with him at some point and said he was jovial but then he was gone. But despite having a bad day and getting off course twice he managed 21st. Not too bad.We saw many others come in, but I can't remember all the placings now. Everyone did really well. Just finishing that race was an accomplishment in itself. My hat is off to them all.

Fitzy chugging along.

Matt after the race thinking "why'd I go so fast?"

Taylor IPoding up to finish the last 20 miles.

Wes looking way too fresh after a 50 mile race. Amy just couldn't stop riding after crossing the finish.

Marc wasn't happy, but he did great. Proud of you babe!