By Mike Hebe

For the opening round of the Mid-Atlantic Super Series, visitPA.com was strongly represented in the men's race by defending XC Elite champion Wes Schempf, defending 40+ champion Mike Hebe (who moved to Elite this year), National 30-39 champion Mike Yozell, and National 24-hour series champion Rob Lichtenwalner. Michelle Stopper started her quest for the Elite Women's championship.

Michelle had the best result of the day for the visitPA.com squad. She stuck with Trek pro racer Cheryl Sorenson all day to finish a great race in 2nd place.

In the men's field, sometimes, things do not always go as planned. However, it is how you react to the adversity that shows your character. Wes and the Mike started strong in the top 10 for the first lap. Rob was just behind, nipping at their heels.

The bad luck started as Wes slipped out, damaged his wheel, and dislocated his thumb. Wes got back up and soldiered on to a strong 10th place finish. Mike Hebe followed the bad luck by flatting and cutting his tire, while riding in 7th place. Mike walked the three miles out of the woods and hopped on his second Cannondale to go back out and show people that riding is truly about having fun.

Mike Yozell rode strongly all day and came in right behind Wes, in 11th. Rob rode a very consistent race and finished 16th. He was hoping for another TWENTY hours, so he could show everyone what a "real" mountain bike race is like.

Despite the setbacks, the team rode well, and they showed everyone that the fun in racing comes from actually riding.

We would like to thank all of our generous sponsors for their support. Without you, our success would not be possible.

• visitPA.com
• Cannondale Bicycles
• Rudy Project helmets and glasses
• Suunto
• Cadence Cycling and Multisport Centers
• SRAM Bicycle Components

Please support our charity:

• The Blue Bluterfly Fund