What'd I win???

Sooooo......Super Bowl Sunday is coming up on February 4th. And, as it happens every year, so is Chico Velo's Paskenta Century......aka the Unofficial 100-mile Road Race. Now, most people ride in this yearly event to knock out some early season flattish miles(only about 1,000 feet of total climbing on this course).....get in an early season century to start the year off right.....and to gather with our fellow cyclists to battle the wind(yes, it can get VERY windy out there). And then there are a few of us who enjoy the 4-mile dirt section half-way through the ride......brings back good memories of cross season.

But then, there are those who show up because they want it.......that ever elusive Paskenta Trophy(shown above). Seems like John Elgart is always in the hunt for it. Last year, it was Scott Fonseca who took it. Year before that, I believe it was Tim Creswell beating out Rich Thurman for the trophy. This year, who knows? You have 200-300 riders show up at the One Mile, cruise down the Esplanade.......but when they hit Meridian Road, it breaks loose. And by the time they get to Lassen Road.....well, better position yourself just right or you could lose the leaders in a blink of an eye.

For some of us, we have no desire for that trophy - we just wanna ride. Then, there are bike dorks like me who want the trophy........but the only way I'll ever get that beautiful piece of "Mike Peavy artwork" is to steal it! And that just wouldn't feel right.

So, you can view the trophy in the pics above.......or head down to Cyclesport here in Chico to gaze at it for a bit.

Train hard - and get ready......the start list for this event is lookin' pretty, well.......fast!