Steel City Endurance Racing

Hilly Billy Roubaix

June 26, 2010

Morgantown, WV

Our team had been itching for cyclocross season, and being just over 2 months away, Team SCE looked forward to JR Petsko’s Hilly Billy Roubaix. After much debate over tires, tire pressure, and other preparations for this epic backroad race, on a hot and steamy Saturday, Steel City riders took their cross bikes to the starting line in Morgantown.

The team had definitely been preparing. Long rides, rides in the heat, even getting back on the cyclocross bikes prior to the race, we were ready. Heck, we’d been riding all summer, but after the race we were certain that there really was no way to be fully prepared for the quest that was Hilly Billy Roubaix. JR designed a 70 mile course on the back roads of West Virginia. Unlike his other courses, which he had taken the time to even sweep the roads of gravel prior to the race, this race was not meant to be swept. It was not manicured. It was raw nature. Dirt roads, gravel climbs, potholes and deep sections of thick mud. Oh yes, we believe that our amazing friend/promoter, JR must have been laughing maniacally all the while he drew out this course map.

Several Steel City racers took to the starting line: Aaron Bennett, Kate Bennett, Greg Flood, Stacie Truszkowski, Rachel Weaver, and Dustin Wehler. Personally, many (perhaps more sane) cyclists would not toe up to the line, so to have the courage to start such a race was a feat in and of itself. But SCE lived in the moment, and for our beloved friend JR, jumped right into the race.

The race itself was very well organized. For being such a challenging course, JR had all the rest stops and marshals lined up perfectly. Our team was thankful for these stations and support from cheering marshals. It’s support like this that help you do things you didn’t know you could do – just a little extra energy from someone telling you you can do it makes all the difference in the world.

The race had a nearly 25% attrition rate, as the heat and the course proved to be more than many could bear. Our team had its share of difficulties, as several of us succumbed to the heat or respiratory troubles. While some not all of us finished, all racers gave it their all, and everyone definitely had stories to tell.

Aaron Bennett and Aaron Shelmire both finished in the top half of the men’s below 40 field, and Stacie in true form, seemed to climb like a sprite, and was able to help motivate her teammates throughout the day, ultimately working with Rachel to get her through nausea and severe cramping to the finish line.

It was quite a day that will forever be remembered by SCE. Another “Rite of Passage” that our team has taken up, and certainly looks forward to next year. Thanks to JR for a memorable day in West Virginia!

Be sure to check back here for race report updates from the Hilly Billy Roubaix, but in the meantime, here are some photos from Ben Stephens. Results found here.