95 mile relay from Mount Bonnell to Enchanted Rock. This was pretty intense! It was an overnight relay, and I chose to run the 2am-4am shift, nearly 15 miles through the Texas Hill Country. With only the moon and a headlamp for light, this was a very neat experience which gave a runner the ability to feel safe running down the middle of an old Texas highway in the middle of the night/early morning. The race was a charity event benefiting Batten's Disease, and our team raised over $5,000. Though only 4 team members in this photo, Team Chupik's Cannonball Express had a great crew that consisted of Randy Chupik, Dave Hampton, Michael Rogers, Woody Sitz, Conley Covert, Matt Wayne, and Jim Welch. Though I didn't feel to peachy come Sunday morning, I would recommend to anyone participating in this event in 2012. It was very well organized, especially for a 1st year event.

Mellow Johnny's Classic 2011

It's not every day you get an invite out to Lance Armstrong's Hill Country Ranch. Even if he does charge you $40 + $10 to park, this race is well worth the drive and hit to the wallet. Because it is a private course, the trail doesn't get enough rubber to get the "beaten path" effect most would prefer. Though a soft course, it's still very enjoyable. There are a couple hairy bottlenecks, but overall, not very technical (2.5 out of 5). The loop is close to 10 miles, moderate climbs, fast downhill sections, and is roughly a 1 hour ride.

This is a big production. Lots of great vendors providing freebies, and the race draws a big crowd due to the Pro's that race after the amateurs. This is a great event to invite friends and family too.