Today about 42 people have a temporary hitch in their giddy up. Forty-two people gimping around appearing to make a poor attempt at an impersonation of John Wayne’s walk. John Wayne in a full diaper possibly. Forgive me, Duke.

The hitch has been temporary in the past but as I get more experienced in life I’ve noticed some of my temporary aches and pains are becoming more permanent. I guess one should expect a little discomfort after perching themselves on a bicycle seat for 412 miles.

The 2011 edition of the Highway 212 Gut Check, a 412-mile endurance race across South Dakota to raise funds and awareness for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, is in the books. The event continues to grow year after year with about 42 riders competing this year and raising around $7000 for the CCFA. The exact amount raised hasn’t been tallied yet as I haven’t been able to sit long enough to figure it out.

Actually, I’m not nearly as bad off as those who make the entire journey solo. Myself, Jay Stevens and Tim Chrest leapfrogged across the state covering the 412 miles in about 32 hours. We took turns riding 20-mile sections of Highway 212, so basically it would be like riding back and forth between Lignite and Bowbells 20 times.

With three of us on the team, you ride your 20 miles and then wait a few hours for the other two riders to complete their leg. So, for those of you who have been itching to give the Gut Check a go, just ride from Lignite to Bowbells, eat, take a nap, and ride back to Lignite a few hours later. Repeat about six times and you’re ready to be part of a three-person leapfrog team. Just for clarification purposes I mean ride a bike, no mopeds or other beasts of burden.

Of the 42 riders who rolled away from the SD/WY border to venture towards the SD/MN border only five didn’t make it. Two were injured in crashes, one got sick, and two just didn’t want to ride any further. Thankfully the two who crashed ended up being okay. Well, as okay as anyone who would attempt to ride a bicycle 412 miles in under 48 hours can be.

The best time was turned in by a cyclist from St. Paul, MN who covered the 412 miles in 19 hours and 25 minutes with an average speed of over 20 mph. Amazing. It takes a lot of training and dedication to accomplish a feat like that. Much more training and dedication than I could ever muster. Of course, he’s not married and has no kids, so what else does he have to do?

Wait a minute, one of my teammates isn’t married and doesn’t have any kids either…he better pick up the pace a little next year. I know there many diseases and causes out there worthy of our time, money, and efforts but this disease affects someone I care about which is why it is the recipient of my time, money, and effort. Thanks much to all who donated and participated in this event.

See you next year.

For more information visit: www.gutcheck212.com