Stupid Pony 2020

It’s happening again, that thing where a bunch of otherwise healthy and sane adult people put aside their good sense to ride on the Pony Express National Historic Trail across Utah from Eagle Mountain to Wendover in one damned sitting. Over 200 miles. Almost entirely gravel. And, like, rough gravel at that. Why? Because it’s stupid pretty. And quiet. And wide open. And because there’s something about the thought of being out in the middle of nowhere on your own on your bike, cruising false flats between mountain ranges among vast plains of ochre rabbitbrush with immense herds of pronghorn antelope motor pacing you that interferes with decision-making. There’s going to be lots of distance, good friends, and a LOT of time to yourself to rue your shitty risk-management apparatus.

As always, the ride is meant to be affordable for anyone who wants to toe the line (suck it, Pirate Cycling League!): $60 gets you the race, SAG and a drop bag at the finish, two aid stations sponsored by Skratch Labs and Hammer Nutrition, pizza and a place to lay your head in Wendover at the Historic Airfield Museum, and a ride back to your car in Eagle Mountain with your bike maybe following you. Also, the winners of the women’s and men’s categories EACH get one of my used t-shirts, with hand-artisaned pseudo-meaningful designs lovingly sharpied into their somewhat stretched, fine, 100% whitish cotton weave. Also, there’s going to be some raffle prizes from TRP, Saturday Cycles, and Wasatch Touring but who cares about that?

So come join us! It’s really pretty out here. You probably won’t regret it, even!

Event photo by Alexander Ertaud