Matt Beaton’s take on the Firecracker 50

The firecracker 50 on 4th of July is a perplexing race. On onehand you have barbeque, beer, parades, and other American festivities; onthe other side you 50 miles of sweet racing, 11,200 ft of elevation gain,and a super stacked pro mtb field.

I was super pumped to start this race and see where I could place with names like JHK, Jeremiah Bishop, Sam Shultz and Dave Weins at the start line. I think I was a bit too eager as seemed to race like it was a normal XC. I ended up in fast a group of Colin Cares, Sam Shultz and myself. I totally blew my legs trying to hang with these guys on the first lap. I think I came around the first lap in 6th or 7th place with Weins and Bishop.

The second lap was damage control I think I dropped around 10 places but due to difficult course I finished 12th. Not the top ten I was hoping for but I gave it my all.

I was proud to see teammate and road superstar Pete Stetina up there with JHK and Sam for most of the race until a rock snapped his frame. Teammate Gretchen Reeves came in at a very impressive 4th place so congrats to her!

Next year the Firecracker won’t be Marathon Nationals, but it will still be an epic race with all the festivities to go along.

Tokyo Joe’s leading the charge up the start climb:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/us-marathon-national-championships-firecracker-50-cn/photos/128986