McTrouser Gravy Bike Challenge a ... success!

Long ago, NORSA cycling veterans Tim Josey, Alan Stewart, and Adam gathered over drinks and hashed up a new type of competition. This would combine elements of Ironman, the Krispy Kreme Challenge, and the Virgilinia Twelvety. A sort of Mythbusters crossed with Fear Factor, the event would require stamina, endurance, and perseverance. After many months of rescheduled dates and school conflicts, the team gathered this past Sunday to complete the McTrouser Gravy Bike Challenge.

Everyone knows that endurance cycling, McDonald's Quarter Pounders, and prunes all have something in common - they all create a similar effect on your body. The heart of the McTrouser Gravy Bike Challenge was to combine all three elements and see who could hang on the longest.



The team gathered Sunday at 11:00 AM (along with NORSA member and race supporter Taylor Hinson) and started with the pre-bike portion of the event. Over the course of an hour the competitors consumed a Quarter Pounder with Cheese and three cups of prunes (roughly 1.25 lbs), with prune juice being the only beverage alternative. Keep in mind that most internet sources recommend a daily intake a 2-3 prunes, with 4-6 being a daily maximum.

After an hour had passed and the members had consumed the burgers and prunes, they straddled their bicycles and began a bike ride on their traditional Bonsal training route. This bike ride mostly travels through rural terrain with many uninhabited stretches which would provide ample opportunity for the competitors to abandon the race and sprint into the woods.

A rule was set which mandated the crew hold a 15 mph average, but throughout the ride actually held an average of over 17 mph. As the miles ticked by, the crew could feel the dense mass of prunes ravaging their innards. Beginning as severe stomach cramps, the feeling later transformed itself into a pressing need to stop cycling.

Adam was the first competitor out of the race, bailing at the 17.8 mile mark. After being picked up by Taylor in the chase vehicle, they caught up to the riders just in time to see Alan abandon the race just past Bonsal at the 22 mile mark.



Showing a feat of inhuman strength, Tim remained in competition long after he had to. "I couldn't s@#% even if I tried" Tim reported as Alan made a dash behind a set of railroad tracks. At this point, the team got into the chase vehicle and returned to Adam's house, where Tim continued to compete for approximately another hour.

The team learned a few things from this endeavor. 1) Prunes and prune juice in massive quantities do not taste good. 2) The cramping is the worst part of the competition. 3) The effects of the competition continue for many hours longer than you would like them to.

The challenge was formally completed and at the end of the day, win or lose, everyone was a loser.