10 July 2009
STP 2009: I am Rider 10,000!
Posted by Brad Hefta-Gaub under: Fitness.
Tomorrow I will be riding in my fifth consecutive Seattle to Portland Double Century. And this year, it going to be a little extra special, because I am rider 10,000. This is the highest bib number available for the STP this year. I won this special bib number in an online charity auction to support the Cascade Bicycling Club’s Educational Foundation.
While picking up my bib number at REI earlier this week, I also picked up a couple of other cool pieces of ride SWAG. Of course I had to get a “Support Team” t-shirt for my Mom, who will be riding along with me to cheer me on and meet me at various rest stops and of course the finish line.
I also got a 2009 commemerative cycling cap — I love my cycling caps. While I was at it, I even picked up commemerative pins for each of the years I have don the ride: 2005-2009. But, other than my bid number, the coolest piece of merchandise I got was an authentic Merino Wool Cycling Jersey for the Cascade Bicycle Club.
This thing is sweet! I have always wanted one of these Jerseys. I almost got one last year for one of my favorite local bike shops: Recycled Cycles, but they sold out of my size before I bought one. So I simply couldn’t pass this up. I usually where a wool sweater over a technical t-shirt when I commute on my fixie in the early fall, winter, and spring… so this will be a nice addition to my cycling clothing collection.
As for the STP? Well, I am really looking forward to the ride. I will be tweeting my progress, so you can keep up with me as I roll along, by checking out my blog (see the right side bar for live updates) or my twitter feed.
I still can’t believe that only 5 and a half years ago, I weighed more than 60 lbs more than I do today, was over 40% body fat, and had never exercised a day in my life. I believe that anyone who wants to put their mind and soul into getting fit can do it… it’s not easy… it takes dedication and patience. And it helps to have support and community like all of the great members of the Sweat365.com community. But don’t let anyone tell you your body can’t do it. Because it can… and you can! So go out and live your life to the fullest.
If you’re out there this weekend on the STP, drop me a note, and maybe we’ll get to meet at one of the many rest stops along the way! Good luck to all!
9 Comments so far...
Phil Sabin Says:
Brad, what happened to the stp-pts? For those who don’t know, Brad has been talking for a few years about doing a one day STP on Saturday, and turning around and doing the reverse PTS on Sunday.
It sounds crazy to me, which is why I think Brad will do it one day.
Brad Hefta-Gaub Says:
@Phil - after thinking it over … and recognizing that I have a 50 mile run to do in 2 weeks… it seems that the wise thing to do would be to only do one Double Century during my taper period for my first ever Ultra distance trail run.
shebaduhkitty Says:
stp-pts! and don’t you have to join your family on their vacation?
Brad Hefta-Gaub Says:
I will not be doing the STP-PTS this year… maybe someday.
I join my family on Monday.
bikejuju Says:
“the wise thing to do would be to only do one Double Century during my taper period for my first ever Ultra distance trail run.”
Woah.
Good luck tomorrow!
suefromyourpaceormine Says:
Brad,
Know you won’t get this until your race is done, but I’m with you in spirit. I was checking out your twitter site. Your incredible. I still can’t get my head wrapped around the distances you do.
Have a wonderful race!
Sue from your pace or mine
psychodahlia Says:
Hope you stayed cool, had a good ride, and most importantly, had fun. You should stop for some VooDoo doughnuts after 
