Take Me Home, Country Roads: 8 Years of The Mid South / Land Run with Pat Smith- Cantu Ambassador

2019 Land Run Chase the chaise

Red dirt roads, mud, and hugs. For better or for worse, Pat Smith has forged unforgettable, sometimes bizarre memories through countless miles on Oklahoma gravel roads. Is it winter? Is it summer? Can you have four seasons in one day? If you choose to take on the challenge at The Mid South (formerly known as Land Run), you play roulette with the unpredictable March weather conditions of the great plains. Have you ever had one of those rides that jolt your life into perspective? Maybe multiple? We interview the man behind the mustache as he shares his journey from his first ever Land Run 100 in 2014 to what we know today as The Mid South.

Pat Smith’s 8 Years of the Land Run / Mid South Recap

2013 - Missed, as I had only learned of LR100 [Land Run 100]
2014 - Drove solo to Stillwater, scared out of my mind - DNF at 50
2015 - Talked my buddy Tony Huston into this madness - DNF at 50 (forgot lights, ugh!)
2016 - Tony agreed to go again - FIRST FINISH 100
2017 - Oklahoma weather....was supposed to get up to 50 [degrees], ended up hailing and freezing rain - DNF at [mile] 50, mild hypothermia, Jane [wife] saved me!!
2018 - Super fast, dry course - FIRST solo finish 100, FIRST Chase the Chaise Year!
2019 - Another superb weather year - Second solo finish 100
2020 - Last race on earth! Pandemic had everyone worried. Rain the night before was wild which made for lots of mud - DNF at 50
2021 - Extremely Socially Distanced Ride- technically not in Stillwater but rode 100 in SHNF [Sam Houston National Forest] Count it!!
2022 - 10th year and this will be my 9th time to participate!! Single Speed and riding the 50 mile course

Cantu Cycling Wheels [CW]: When was your first Land Run and how were you lured in?

Pat Smith [PS]: 2014. I had heard about the mud and carnage online (Facebook, maybe). Being born in Oklahoma, it drew me in instantly. I MUST GO! I Immediately bought a Salsa Vaya and started training.

2014 second year of land run

CW: Any special year(s) that stand out as unforgettable and why?

PS: Wow, not an easy one. 2014 -The first year, I'm alone standing at the starting line, Dr. Seth Wood walks up and says, "Hey man, let's take a picture!" He didn't know me, but he embodies what Land Run 100 / Mid South is about - community and inclusiveness! 2016 was for sure memorable because it was my first finish. 2017 because the weather was so cold, and I was underdressed. So many different emotions in 2017. I tweaked my back around mile 25, carrying my bike and trying to run to stay warm. I had to lay on a bridge railing and try to stretch my back. I may or may not have cried a bit. Once I made it to 50 mile at Guthrie (no idea how), Jane looked at me very concerned and said, "Are you OK?", I realized I couldn't talk very well and could not straighten out my fingers...mild hypothermia. Whoa.... 2018, my first solo finish and first year of Chase the Chaise!

2014 photo with Dr. seth wood at Pat’s first land run

CW: What brings you back every year to Stillwater?

PS: This is hard to describe, until you go. The whole Mid South / District [Bicycle Shop] crew is incredible. The town is so welcoming. Bobby [Wintle] is on a different level; he will have you pumped with just his smile and energy.

2017 start line energy

CW: Do you have a favorite bike setup you've ridden?

PS: Not really. I have always ridden Salsa Vaya or Warbird, geared with drop bars. This year, I'm trying something new--wait for it-- the Stormchaser Single Speed!!!

CW: What was it like to finish your first Land Run 100?

PS: It was something dreams are made of - rounding that last corner, seeing the finish line... but crossing it, that is where the sweetness lies - Bobby standing open arms with the biggest grin you've ever seen waiting to give you the fabled hug. Just when he lets you go you realize everyone is cheering for YOU!!! This is special. Cheering, crying, jumping up and down, collapsing on the ground...simply amazing.

First 100 mile finish in 2016

CW: What is MUST DO for first timers to experience?

PS: Get there!!!! Bring a whiskey flask and every piece of seasonal riding clothes you own (haha). This ride is for EVERYONE and YOU can do this. Also, don't be afraid to approach the vets. They are more than happy to talk bikes with anyone. It really is an all-inclusive experience.

CW: How do you talk yourself into continuing through the tough moments?

PS: The pain is hard to overcome; just keep pedaling and walk if needed. No shame allowed. It's pretty amazing what a person can overcome and so much is really mental. I will tell myself, "You're OK. Keep going. Breath. Pedal, pedal, pedal." I have failed at finishing more than I have succeeded, but I will keep going as long as I'm able.

2017 Land run

CW: Do you have the hardest year in mind? If so, how did you get through it? What were your takeaways?

PS: Hail, rain, sleet, 32°, and poor planning-- 2017 was my hardest year. I DNF'd with mild hypothermia. I think I was maybe over confident and under prepared. Not having all my gear with me was my own doing. Having Jane there at the halfway point to "save" me was a blessing.

2017 mud and mild hypothermia

CW: Do you have any goals you can share with us going into this year's Mid South?

PS: This year they have a 12 mile Inspiration Ride. Jane is doing this, and I'll ride with her!! Seeing her cross the finish line will be my goal!!! I'm excited about seeing the birth of new gravel lovers.

CW: Where are your favorite routes/roads you like to train on in Texas?

PS: I love SHNF [Sam Houston National Forest], New Ulm, Bellville, and Chappell Hill, as do most folks. These were first introduced to me by Dr. John Blum (HGG [Houston Gravel Grinders] Godfather). He may not have made the roads, but he stitched them together and showed us the way. If you ride out there, you owe him a cold beer.

CW: Any riders out there that inspire and motivate you?

PS: So many!! Jim Phillips, he and his buddies from Missouri embraced me and cheered for me in 2015. We shared some beers and laughed. I made a lifelong friend. All my Houston Gravel folks. There is always someone ready to ride with you, give you advice, share experiences, and crack some cool ones. Lots of good friends!!

CW: Do you have any favorite Mid South traditions?

PS: Finishing! hahaha. Come for the mud, stay for the hug! The new route every 2 years, The Iron Monk beer release party on Thursday night (newer tradition) to honor the Mid South can design, but nothing beats that finish line party. Also, the year Bobby had 1500+ crowd and riders sang "Take Me Home Country Roads" at the starting line. It was magical.

CW: Is it true, the longer the mustache and beard, the wiser the person?

PS: HA!! Not sure on this one, I still do silly stuff! Maybe wise-ass!

2018 Chase the chaise

CW: Where do you think promoter, Bobby Wintle, gets his endless energy from?

PS: I think he's always been a passionate person. It's God given for sure. I think the love he has for the land and community pours out of him. You can't help but get excited!!

Bobby wintle, mid south promoter, finish line huggers. all th e way until the last rider comes in.

CW: Any tips last minute tips for beginners?

PS: Like Bobby [Wintle] says, "Don't let the unrealized pain keep you away!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!! You will find out things about yourself on those roads, and you can bury the things you carry out there." Also, you never know who is watching you and becomes inspired by your actions! That part is super cool and humbling.

CW: What is DLibr8?

PS: My great gravel-grandfather, David Smith, once told me, "You're not slow, Pat, you're just deliberate." I thought that really made sense !!! I have since embraced the DLIBR8 lifestyle. No one is ever slow, you're just more DLIBR8 than others !! Being DLIBR8 is for everyone.

Pat’s Dlibr8 gravel swag

CW: Anything you'd like to add?

PS: I wouldn't be able to do any of this without my wife Jane. It's always special when she's there. Although I have "failed" more than finished at the Land Run100 / Mid South, I keep going back. It's the gravel family and the roads that carry me. Seeing my friends ride and get to experience all that at Mid South is everything!!!

Pat and Jane smith enjoying pre event festivities

Photo Flashback Gallery Mid South / Land Run 2013-2021

Thank you Pat for your time and being an amazing ambassador for gravel cycling and Cantu!
You can follow along with Pat Smith on Instagram at The Patavist

Athlete Spotlight: Angela Man - Team USA/Zoot and Shama Cycles

We welcomed Angela on as a Cantu Ambassador as she set off for ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Brisbane, Australia this past September. Recently she traveled to Miami Man earning a National Championship jersey in her age group and 2nd in the Aquathlon National Championship. We enjoy watching her focus and strength coupled with her positive attitude in all regards of any discipline she decides to conquer. Angela is on a mission to accomplish her goals and earn her pro card. A great athlete to know and support, her journey continues to inspire. Let’s dive in!

Angela Man
City:
Houston, TX
Teams: Team Zoot (Tri), Team USA (Tri), Shama Cycles (Road)
Racing Age: 30
Category: 3 Road
Years of Racing: 4
Wheels: Cantu R5C front + Cantu 88C rear


Cantu Cycling Wheels [CW]: Tell us a little bit about where you grew up and your athletic background?

Angela Man [AM]: I was born and raised here in Houston, although I did spend a few years in Toronto, Canada where my aunt and grandparents raised me. They knew me well before I did. They nurtured my love of the outdoors and knew I needed to be active. They'd take me to parks and not yell at me for climbing trees or rolling down grassy hills in a dress.

I grew up a runner and burned myself out after 4 years of Junior Olympics Track and Field. I later picked up basketball, football, and soccer.

CW: What do you enjoy about triathlons and bike racing?

AM: Nothing! Why am I doing this? Haha

The cycling and tri communities have been unlike any other sport community I've been around. They've taken caring and sportsmanship to another level. It's a family on wheels.

I enjoy the individual aspect of triathlon, where your own hard work and determination gets to be displayed but you also get to share the experience and course with others. I've always been a team player, so with cycling, being able to use my strengths and sacrifice myself for a friend or teammate is preferred. I don't like being in the limelight anyways.

Enjoying a mid-ride photo opt with friends.

CW: In training, what has been your biggest challenge?

AM: Learning how to really hurt. I've always been hesitant to give it everything because I'm trying to save something for the end or for the run. Every time I think I've pushed hard, I find out I have way more left in the tank. This was the main reason why I switched from long course to short course this year. I want to learn how to really hurt, to sit in that pain box for a long time, and to be able to drain the tank completely before crossing the finish line.

CW: How do you choose your races?

AM: I used to choose my races by proximity or whatever was offered nearby, but as I progressed as an athlete, I started targeting races that'll allow me to test my abilities against the best in the nation or world. 2017 was the first season where I specifically chose races where I could earn money and return home with a profit. This sport isn't cheap! Any extra cash is appreciated.

CW: What is one of your most challenging races to date?

AM: 2016 ITU Long Course World Championships. I had my entire season focused on this race to become a world champion. The course and weather conditions played perfectly to my strength. Everything was going to plan and I had worked my way up to the front before a sharp pain popped up in my right foot and got progressively worse as the race continued. I could barely pedal or walk. It was a very tough decision to make at the first medical tent where the doctors advised me to end my race. I knew I could push through the pain, finish, and still be in contention, but at what cost? It's hard to give up a goal that you've worked so hard for, especially on a day where it suits your strengths perfectly. It took a while to get over that one.

CW: How do you stay motivated?

AM: I'm huge on growth. I always want to be better than I was yesterday in and out of the sport. More patient, kinder, humbler, wiser, stronger. I've always been very driven as a kid and adding that quality to a vivid dreamer, there's lots of crazy goals and standards to meet.

CW: Any other hobbies outside of tris and bike racing?

AM: I love to camp, hike, rock climb, and go on outdoor adventures. It nurtures my soul. If I can't be outdoors, then you can find me solving crossword puzzles or sticking my nose in a book.


CW: Any fun pre-race rituals?

AM: I drink coffee! And have a jam session while eating breakfast.

CW: What are you looking forward to in the next year?

AM: Traveling! I'll be traveling out of state to bigger races next year to try to earn my pro card and some money! (or break even :P).

A moment on the beach in Brisbane, Australia for the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final.

CW: Favorite song, artist or playlist to train or warm up to?

AM: I'm not too picky on music. Anything with a sick beat pumps me up.

CW: Where is your happy place?

AM: Riding, running, or hiking through a forest up a mountain with a nearby waterfall or babbling brook.

CW: What is off-season like?

AM: I wouldn't know. I haven't had a true off-season in a while. This time around, I plan on taking a few weeks off of any structured training and go rock climbing, camping, hiking, and mountain biking. Things I couldn't do during race season to avoid any injuries or because I needed rest and recovery. It'll be nice to rejuvenate the mind before starting the grind back up to prepare for 2019.

CW: Best advice you've been given?

AM: Enjoy all the achievements and wins along the way, even if the performance wasn't up to my standards. When you have big goals, it's easy to forget to celebrate the little victories too. Soak in the rewards of the hard work, so the passion and love for the sport can continue to grow.

CW: How has the journey been chasing your pro card?

AM: Ridiculously tough and heartbreaking at times, but I wouldn't trade these last few years for anything. All the sacrifices, blood, sweat and tears have been worth it. I've grown tremendously as a person and an athlete, and this lifestyle is creating the best version of me.

You can follow more adventures of Angela on Instragram.

Cantu Wheels welcomes two Missouri riders onto the Cantu Gravel Ambassadorship

It never ceases to amaze us. There are some awesome people in the gravel world. We want to welcome aboard Don Buttram and Jim Phillips as Cantu Gravel Ambassadors. Much like our other gravel ambassadors, these guys have a knack for crushing gravel and bringing out the smiles, even on the toughest rides. Well known in the gravel community and both getting ready for their upcoming event, DKXL. Two of the 34-riders invited to take on the new 350-mile challenge created by the Dirty Kanza promoters. Don will be riding the Cantu Rebel wheels. Jim will be on the Cantu Rova wheels. We are honored to have them on board and look forward to their adventure at DKXL. Get to know a little bit about them below.

Don looking strong at the front of the pack at Gravel Worlds photo:  Gravel Guru

Don looking strong at the front of the pack at Gravel Worlds photo:  Gravel Guru

Don Buttram

Hometown: Lebanon, Missouri
Day Job:  Process Engineer / Project Manager
Bucket list Gravel Events and why?: Belgian Waffle Ride: Because it Looks Brutal! :-)
Top Race Results/Resume: 016 TransIowa Finisher / 5 Time DK200 Finisher / 5 Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB Finisher (Sub 9 hr Finish in 2017-Big Buckle) / Time Gravel Worlds Finisher
Upcoming Races: Bantam Classic (Petaluma CA) / Hairy Hundred (olumbia MO) / DKXL (Emporia KS) / Gravel Worlds (Lincoln NE)
Gravel Bike Setup: 017 Salsa WarBird

Jim looking chill and relaxed at Gravel Worlds photo:  Gravel Guru

Jim looking chill and relaxed at Gravel Worlds photo:  Gravel Guru

Jim Phillips

Hometown:  Springfield, Missouri
Day Job:   Legal Assistant
Bucket list Gravel Events and why?:  All of them.  I love riding new roads and having new experiences.
Top Race Results/Resume:   Placement is never my first goal.  I like to have fun and I like to finish.  When I finish I’m happy and when I don’t I’m sad.  
Upcoming Races:    DKXL, Gravel Worlds, Santa Fe Trail Race
Gravel Bike Setup:   Lauf True Grit Race

 

Give these guys a follow!
Jim's Instagram
Don's Instagram