Stoopid 50 Mountain Bike Marathon

State College, PA

June 14, 2009

By Ray Adams

This year, the Stoopid 50 would start and finish at Tussey Mountain Ski area just outside of State College, PA. This part of PA is known for it incredible mountain biking, offering miles of beautiful trails. Promoter Chris Scott does a great job of utilizing these trails in his 50 miler and 101 miler held later in the season. This year’s course would be similar to years past, but with more climbing and a couple more miles of dirt roads added.

Having raced here before two years ago, I knew that it would not be easy. My strategy was to ride steady and hold a top 5ish position. All was going well until mile 15 or so, when I had a puncture. I changed the tube quickly and chased back, not too far from the position I had previously held. Then, another flat! I made another repair, and, having lost 10-15 minutes to mechanical problems by this point, decided to ride conservatively on the rocks and attack on the climbs. By mile 40 or so, I had chased back to 10th place and was feeling beat. All the extra work I had done to chase was taking its toll. The final decent could not come too soon. I rode in for a 10th place overall. Not terrible.

Thanks to Chris for promoting a great event and to our team sponsors for all their support!

• VisitPA.com
• Cannondale
• Deuter
• Suunto
• Northwave