In twenty plus years of racing, one thing is for certain, everyone goes right to the results at the end of a race. However that is not what makes an event. Yesterday at the Humdinger I noticed so many things that the results will never tell you, before, during and after the race that made this day so much fun. Such as:
The top-notch orginization that was just great. Fast, efficient and just ran well.
The offer of a place to stay, and good beer,  when I travel to events. Thanks Otto, that is appreciated.
Seeing friends and fellow racers after a long winter break.
People coming to the event in groups to participate, as opposed to by themselves.
The camraderie of friends talking about what lies ahead.
The efforts of the organizers in holding a race after mother nature made it difficult.
The spirit of runners dressed in costume.
Said runners sprinting the first half mile.
The sound of heavy breathing because people are pushing their personal limits.
The sportsmanship of competitors allowing passing in tight quarters.
The sheer joy of running very slow, and very fast.
The respect you earn and give to a stranger.
A hearty and very tasty post-race bowl of chilli.
The hoots of laughter as people slide to the finish.
Seeing the sense of accomplishment in people's faces as they finish.
Watching family and friends greet a finisher and sharing in their accomplishment.
Overhearing everyone talking about how cool the race was.
The pride seeing people receive their hard earned awards.

An event is so much more than me, my time and place, yes it is very important to me. However sometimes it takes a different perspective to see and understand what it is that I really enjoy about racing. 


There were so many things the results will never show that make racing, and The Humdinger in particular, such a great experience. Ultimately, when we race, we race for all of these reasons.
That is why I enjoyed The Humdinger.
I will be back in 2011.
See you at the Robbins run.
Hebe 

Wow.  It was a tough one, hence the name I 'spose.
 
Yup, there was a huge turnout.  I think this event is poised to become the biggest trail run in the region if it is not already.  The course was hard, the weather was great, the party afterward was better.  I am already sore, but I can't wait to do it again.

Our team had a strong showing, with Carolyn (left in photo) winning the women's overall!  Nancy and I both got 3rd (age group) and Brandon crushed it for 15th-ish overall, despite having run a total of four times in the past three months.  Somehow, Rob earned a beaded necklace along the way.  Hebe (second from left) is empty-handed and stern faced.


I can't say enough good things about this event, super awesome.  Do it next year.

Not sure how to explain this photo, but have to include it.  Pre-race warm up?  Team bonding?  Caption this for me.

One of the things I like best about winter is the chance to do a variety of activities -- it keeps you healthy and sane.
With all the snow we've had, cross-country skiing has been one of my top choices.
We also take the time just to run around and play, which is great for kids and great for us, too. In the midst of all our training, it's good to remember to have fun.

Since the chaos of racing has not set in yet, now is a good time to mention our sponsors.  It is easy to forget how much these companies are doing for us....it amounts to a big hand-out to a pile of strangers who claim they can ride bikes.  On top of this, the bike industry is not exactly made of money.  If it is, I must be missing something, because I have yet to make my fortune.

First and foremost, PAValleys.com is our mothership connection.  These guys saw the press we were getting for visitPA.com and took the initiative to reach out to us.  You guys are the bomb.  For anyone considering a visit to the Valleys region, do yourself a favor and check out their site or better yet, stop in at the visitor's center.  You may even run into my mother in law, who volunteers there.

Cannondale has been with us for years.  They create sweet bikes.  Outside sales rep Bryon Kremer has been our faithful liaison to the company and is, by the way, and fine racer himself.  We are so psyched to see the new Flash 29ers.  I understand that it is relatively easy to get these little love machines into the sub-18 lb range, which is pretty exceptional in case you didn't know.

Pactimo has been our clothing supplier for some time as well.  This year, they were nice enough to step it up and give us an upgrade to the Summit line, which is nice, comfy stuff.  If you are part of a team and need custom clothing, Pactimo is the way to go.  They are fast, high quality, and reasonably priced.  Beth, our contact at Pactimo, did a great job of walking us through the design and order process.  I can't wait to see the new kits.

Bell bike helmets just came through with our new lids.  They are beautiful.  My brain means a lot to me, so thank you Bell Sports.

Finally, a big thanks to Raw Indulgence.  Their RAW REV bars are freeking delicious.  These guys take the cake for generousity to our team, sight unseen.  Thanks for the fuel, fellas.

Well, hope to see everyone at the Humdinger.  I'm told that the snow we're getting is part of what makes the event so special; special meaning really hard; really hard in a fun way.