A Case for Suffering Race Report

I'm happy that someone else with some real writing skills has taken on the AntiEpic, was successful, and was willing to both get on the air and write about it.

Chris Case, the managing editor of Velo Magazine, recently started a column called "A Case for Suffering." The column is part of Chris's quest for suffering and delight. Read the first post of the column HERE to get an idea of what Chris is up to.

This quote from "When epic isn't enough," the second installment of the column, is a good example of the quality of the writeup and a good view into the mind of someone who suffered through the AntiEpic:  "I don’t believe that it’s healthy to suffer for the sake of suffering. But it can be illuminating to inspect what suffering means to oneself, to get uncomfortable, then understand how to make that state comfortable once again. Then, you go beyond that to the unknown once more, slowly ascending the invisible staircase of self-understanding. You learn who you are and what it is to be human. You learn that we, humans, are capable of staggering things. What we think is our utmost is rather easily turned into another segment on the gran fondo of our evolution."

Go read the rest of "When epic isn't enough."

Also, Chris discussed his ride and thoughts recently on XXCMag.com Radio.

AntiEpic Race Report

If you're looking for any race reports, you don't need to go any further than Mountain Bike Radio.

In the latest episode of "XXC Magazine Radio," Jason interviews Ben Welnak and Chris Case.

Listen in

What is Mountain Bike Radio?
Mountain Bike Radio is the premiere network of online radio shows and podcasts focused on cycling that is not road riding. If it's dirt riding - singletrack, gravel, fatbikes, enduro... it's all there.

Pictures on Race Vista

Pictures now posted!

Results Posted and Info

The results are posted HERE.

The pictures that I got during the ride will be posted, so please stay tuned.

If you have pictures and/or gps/Strava that you'd like share, please email me ben@mountainbikeradio.com and I will post it.

I want to again say thank you to everyone for coming out and riding all day.

Last Minute Thoughts

Hey everyone....

If you're making one of the biggest hurdles....getting to the start line, here is some information that you'd probably like to know/be reminded of.

Check in. I will be there early with a roster. Check in with me. I want to make sure there is a list of people so that I can get this site updated with proper info.

Weather - According to NOAA, we're in for a pretty good day.

• Start at Greenland Open Space at 6:30am:
• Low of 34 degrees tonight. That specific spot seems to sit in a little hole though. It was about the same forecast last year and the actual temperature was more like 25. So, plan for a cold start. I would also expect some west northwest wind in the 10 mph range until the sun warms things up. However, west wind would be a tailwind... Then it's supposed to be calm.
• Mid-Race - looking out between the Elbert - Deer Trail area - around 6,000ish feet
• Partly sunny with a high of 61. Northwest wind 5-10mph becoming light and variable. Well, without the sun, it probably won't quite reach or feel like the 61 degrees. Also, keep in mind that "light and variable" out there means that it won't be blowing you off your bike. Still, even if it feels like 51 and the wind stays ok, it's still nice. The rain showers seem to be holding off mostly.
• Later-Race - Looking at the later parts of the course. 5500-6500 ft or so. 10% chance of showers after noon. High near 64 with light north wind. Good stuff. You don't have a south wind, you should be happy.

Course - Go here for all the course info.

Results - The end of the race will be at the Greenland Open Space sign. It will not be like last year. You will now get the downhill feeling of rolling all the way back to the open space. Yeah, it pushes it to a few miles over 150 miles, but you can always quit. When you get there, you will need to sign your name and time on a sheet. My wife will be there in a white mini van for those that roll in before me. I will be hanging around for a while after I'm done, so just look for me.
***If you don't check in and sign the sheet, you won't be listed in the results***

Awards - I have made up trophies for the Top 3 men and Top 3 women (if 3 don't show up, I'll just hold on to them). I also made a trophy for the last place person.
Here's what they look like:

Pictures - Check Race Vista for all the pictures.

Roster - Here's the final as of 12:00pm today.

I'm going offline at 5 today and will no longer be responding to anything. I have a show to cohost at 6:30pm. Drew is leading a special episode of "The Dirt" discussing today's UCI/USAC clarification.
You should listen to the LIVE SHOW.

Pictures and A Short Course Video

Just a reminder AntiEpic'ers! This Saturday, April 6th at 6:30am at the Greenland Open Space.
The weather forecast is looking pretty good.

I got out for a little while and drove around and got some pictures this afternoon.
I've updated a post on Mountain Bike Radio with them.

I've also added a short video to give you an idea of the course. Check it out here!