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