Tall Oak Challenge: Lusting for a Dusting!!!!

The night before the race there was a special feeling in the air.  Whiskey was being pounded, beer was being drank, the course was being set, riders were pre-riding, and the Red Wheelers peckers were beginning to perk.  This annual event is special day for all the Red Wheelers.  We're lucky to ride the great Binder Trail daily, but it's pretty damn awesome when we get to share our back yard hangout with bunch of riders from around the state. Better yet, this was the Tall Oak's 10th year of existence.

Binder Lake anxiously waiting to be infiltrated by mountain bikers.

Sleep was little for many of us when Sunday morning came upon us.  Nick, the master mind of the event, arrived at 5am with many of us joining him around 7.  Riders started to slowly creep in.  Suddently a massive throng of mountain bikers began to swarm the registration table.  It was a great turn-out.  130 riders...one of the biggest crowds the race has ever had.  This just wasn't a crew of average bikers either...there were some VERY FAST riders to grace us with there presence: Jeff Yeilding, Dan Miller, Chris Ploch, DRJ guys, the Ethos Crew (there's not a slow one in the bunch), everyone's favorite rider Pete Henry, some of the Seagal Jerks, and our very own Turbo and Corey Case.  Like I said...this was just a few of the VERY FAST RIDERS that were there.  Please don't be offended if you're a bad ass and I left your name out.

With tradition Nick's dad pulled the trigger to his black powder rifle and the race was off.  Dust was flying, wheels were turning, sweat was oozing, lungs were panting, and blood was being drawn.  It was destined to be an bad ass day of single track.  All one has to do is look at the time splits.  It's easy to say that wicked speeders kickin' up dust all around Binder...fastest lap...31:07 to Garret Steinmez (sp).  F'n a. 
BANG!!!!

 
TURBO!

 

But enough with the freakish speed...how about the taco'd wheels, wicked wrecks, and better yet the sweet bbq.  It's not the Tall Oaks without some good cooking and beer drinking.  Also don't forget the best facial hair competition.  Nick's family served up a belly quenching platter of burgers and dogs.  The "best dressed" as well as in my opinion probably deserved an award for the most bunny hops in a day, Pete Henry, awarded the crown to the best mustache.  I have to admit, I was pretty proud of my stache, but Luke Lamb and his well groomed rollie fingers upper lip broom was definitely uncontested.

Thanks to all that came out!!!!  There are too many to thank for putting this event together.  Of course, without a doubt Nick and Jessica Smith...it couldn't happen without the two of you.  Then there is the entire Smith family. Thanks to my awesome wife, Nicole, for taking nearly 1,000 photos.  Go to STL biking and you should be able to find a few. A big shout out to Specialized for all the schwag and of course Kuat Racks!!!!
Nick, the mastermind behind the Tall Oak 6 Hour.

Comments

[Matt]

If anyone wants to find pics from the race, you can always go to the Team Red Wheel Facebook page. I think my wife posted them in there. Stoney, did she send you a link to them?

[Jeff Yielding]

Another great job gang, love this race!
See you in Hermann

[Stoney]

Nice write-up, Matt. No, I haven't got the link to the pics yet. Great race, even though I stopped after 2 laps because I sliced my sidewall and it just wasn't the same without Berry... or Justin... or Peat.

[Peat]

Arggggh!!!!!!! Looks like an awesome day. I had to work.

[barry]

i was thinkin of you guys on race day. i'm not moved in out here yet, and i've only managed one mtb ride. but it was a good one, just minutes from my rented condo. Mission Gorge Park. I'll get some pics. Miss you guys. Really do.

[Casey F. ryback]

Peat, we figured that you were still on your way from StL to Jeff City, and just got a string of flats on the ride over. Burnin is callin' your name though!

CFR