24 Hours of Summer Solstice

By O9Man

The summer solstice is one of two dates when the sun is farthest away from the earth. This year it happens on June 21st. Ask Adam Ruppel, however, and he'll tell you different. Adam is the President of Chico Racing, and on the following weekend of June 23rd/24th he and his crew will redefine the summer solstice as a 24 hour mountain bike festival and race in Bolton, Ontario. This will be the 10th 24 Hour Summer Solstice, and I was able to get in touch with Adam to ask him a few questions about the event. I also registered for the 24 hour solo race.

O9: On your website you challenge B.C. claiming that Southern Ontario holds the rights to the title of Canada's epicenter for cycling. We were under the impression that the East Coast is the place to be. Have you had the opportunity to ride anything in eastern Canada?

Ruppel: Yes, I was an accomplished nationally ranked mountain bike rider and I raced out at a ski hill (forget the name) a few times in the Canada Cup and the 1995 National Championships. You guys have some excellent mountain biking, but I still think Ontario has the largest demand for mountain bike events and many different levels of trails, that mak the sport more accessible than in BC or even Quebec.

O9: Okay... I'll let you off the hook for now, but you now have an open invitation to the East Coast where we'll try to change your mind! This is the tenth year for The 24 Hours of Summer Solstice. Ten years at such an event must mean it's quite successful! Has organizing the race been a learning experience each year?

Ruppel: I used to lose a week's sleep putting The Solstice together, now I only lose a few nights. When you have 2,200 participants, 100 volunteers, sponsors, campers, little kids racing, and so many people to take care of, there will always be challenges. You will always find ways to improve the event each year, and that is part of what drives our company as race organizers. There is no such thing as the perfect house, car, bicycle, or event... there's always room for improvement.

O9: So you do get a little stressed before the event? I suppose it's understandable!

Ruppel: My father lost his hair at the age of 40, I lost mine at the age of 29, and yes it is a lot of stress. That being said I am much better at dealing with it than I was in the past, and I discovered liquor! (Just kidding).

O9: Sure you're kidding. You'll get along great with us on the East Coast when you come! What is the course like? And who is responsible for the course design? (I need to know whom I should praise/curse!)

Ruppel: Rolling, twisty singletrack, some moderately technical sections and a few good hills, but nothing killer. My brother (Sean Ruppel) designs the course to be fun and do-able for participants of all ability levels.

O9: Nothing ‘killer' eh? I'll hold you to that. You're expecting around 2,200 racers, what other people will be at the event?

Ruppel: Spectators, girlfriends, boyfriends, parents, kids and maybe even the odd celebrity!

O9: I hear some guy from ECMTB.COM is going! So you organize them, have you ever done a 24 hour bike race?

Ruppel: I have participated in two at Hardwood Hills on 5 person teams. It was a lot of fun, and our team was 2nd both times! That being said, I don't race any longer as I like to relax on the weekends I'm not organizing events, or following my other passions.

O9: I just registered as a solo participant in the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice race. Am I an idiot? If so should I endorse such behavior or seek professional help?

Ruppel: No, you are not an idiot, but you should see a shrink.

O9: My shrink is on my support team. He's an Irish Wolfhound. Last year's overall Solo winner was Brian Culbert of Team Trek/Kamikaze. With you knowing nothing about my biking ability, what are my chances at beating him?

Ruppel: Brian is very fast and determined. My bet is that you won't beat him... even if you are really good and determined he knows what he is doing!

O9: Determined? Yes I am! Good? Not so much. I think your money is safe. The divisions are solo, tag team, 4 person, 5 person and 6 - 10 person. Which division is the most exciting to watch and which division has the most fun?

Ruppel: Solos are the craziest and usually the most exciting to watch. That being said 24 hour racing is not a spectator sport, it is more of an overall experience with the camping, the atmosphere and other events. The 6-10 person teams use it as much as a social experience as the race. No question they have the most fun!

O9: I noticed that the 5 person division has a special Clydesdale category. How come there isn't one of those for solo entries? (FYI... four of me would be approaching the criteria for the five-person Clydesdale division!)

Ruppel: We honestly didn't think enough Clydesdales would be interested. That being said I'll give you special props at the awards ceremony... remind me right before.

O9: We'll see how well this horse does, if they have to shoot me because I'm lame after eight hours I don't want to be mentioned at all! I've done plenty of 24 hour adventure races, and some even longer than that. However, I've never been on a bike for 24 hours. One of my biggest concerns is monkey butt. Know any trade secrets that might keep that ailment at bay?

Ruppel: Change your shorts often, and you might want to use some kind of antiseptic to keep that area clean... yuck, that is a disgusting question!

O9: Disgusting yes, but very serious! If that stuff really bothers you don't ever lend me lip balm during an endurance race... EVER. What fun can be had at the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice besides punishing yourself on a bike?

Ruppel: Bands, the Freezie Chug Fest, big screen movies, the kid's race, the social component and just chilling with friends and talking cycling. Our expo area gets better and better so you can also do some shopping, or even take a swim at the beach in Lake Albion. You won't get bored, but you'll be tired!

O9: I did notice the "Famous Freezie Chug Fest" at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday June 24th... I'll be on my 21st lap at that point, how am I going to win the Freezie Chug at the same time?

Ruppel: Take a break from riding and hop in. I'd give you better odds at winning the Freezie Chug Fest.

O9: I'll evaluate my position during at the time and make a race day decision... but I'll only enter if there is a Clydesdale division! Being a proud Maritimer, my community won't forgive me if I don't ask why there isn't a Beer Chug?

Ruppel: I don't think we could get insurance on that, although a couple nights after the event I have my own beer chug contest, but I'm home, by myself. If you want to join me a few nights later, I'll have the beer and I hate drinking alone!

O9: Depending on travel plans I'll take you up on that! It's a sad thing to hear of a fellow biker drinking alone. Fear not Adam, I'll do what I can! Lastly, I'm sure that this race will be of great interest to many of our readers. What is the best way for them to learn more about the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice?

Ruppel: Show up with a bicycle and ride. Reading about it won't give you the experience.

Chico Racing is an Ontario based event management/marketing company that organizes mountain bike events. For more information on The 24 Hours of Summer Solstice and other Chico Racing events visit www.chicoracing.com.

Posted by bikergrl at February 3, 2007 08:54 AM

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