In unprecedented times, it can be a struggle as an athlete to find direction, drive, and discipline. With all of us feeling the weight, facing cancelled race calendars, and not knowing how to approach the season, a new opportunity has arose. Friend, housemate, and fellow athlete Carson Beckett and I have created a challenge and campaign resembling that of the Pisgah Stage Race in an opportunistic way of giving people in the cycling community something to strive for.
The #StayHomeStageRace is our way of establishing a campaign around the week of the "planned" stage race (April 14th-18th) where we will both ride every stage that was in the original route(s). Each stage/day will offer a unique sponsor-related challenge to others in the riding community and offer the opportunity to win some product. There will be a Grand Prize drawing for those who complete all challenges from the week where someone will receive a comp'd entry fee for the 2021 Pisgah Stage Race, a daily mechanic care package from Sycamore Cycles, and a roundtrip voucher from BikeFlights.com!
In light of the circumstances, we know it is imperative to make our stance regarding the current safety measures known and to not seem as if we are skating around them. We support ALL stay-at-home measures and want you to as well. We are, in fact, riding to and from the start of every stage together from our house and will not be advocating for any group-based riding. With that said, we decided to title this campaign and project the #StayHomeStageRace – where it will serve as our way of organizing all of the content but also our way of emphasizing the focus of our mission.
This page will be a continually updating source for all of the info going forward as well as daily challenge posts and follow-ups – so STAY TUNED and GET STOKED!
The #StayHomeStageRace is our way of establishing a campaign around the week of the "planned" stage race (April 14th-18th) where we will both ride every stage that was in the original route(s). Each stage/day will offer a unique sponsor-related challenge to others in the riding community and offer the opportunity to win some product. There will be a Grand Prize drawing for those who complete all challenges from the week where someone will receive a comp'd entry fee for the 2021 Pisgah Stage Race, a daily mechanic care package from Sycamore Cycles, and a roundtrip voucher from BikeFlights.com!
In light of the circumstances, we know it is imperative to make our stance regarding the current safety measures known and to not seem as if we are skating around them. We support ALL stay-at-home measures and want you to as well. We are, in fact, riding to and from the start of every stage together from our house and will not be advocating for any group-based riding. With that said, we decided to title this campaign and project the #StayHomeStageRace – where it will serve as our way of organizing all of the content but also our way of emphasizing the focus of our mission.
This page will be a continually updating source for all of the info going forward as well as daily challenge posts and follow-ups – so STAY TUNED and GET STOKED!
We would love to have you all in town for this year's Pisgah Stage Race and be ripping through all the rocks and roots together, but sadly that is not an option this year. Carson Beckett and I are still encouraging you all to get out and explore the areas surrounding your own homes instead. Each day of the #StayHomeStageRace will have a unique challenge to complete while out on your own adventures, and include a chance at a corresponding prize provided by our sponsors! We encourage you to get out for something similar to each day’s stage of the Pisgah Stage Race, but it is not part of each challenge. The daily challenges will not be based on time or distance of an activity, but a more simple task instead. Each daily challenge will be posted the evening before the upcoming stage and can be completed any time during that day. To be eligible for the Grand Prize, one must complete all five of the daily challenges.
Although challenges are not intended to be difficult, given current circumstances, we understand people may have a varying ability to get outside for an excursion. Because of this, we will also be including a bodyweight strength/core workout that can be completed in the comfort of your own home in replacement of that day’s challenge.
Submitting each daily entry is simple: post a picture or video relating to that day’s challenge (or workout) making sure to tag both @carsonjbeckett and @cypressgorry and be sure to include #StayHomeStageRace. This can be done on a standard post, or a story, on Facebook and/or Instagram. Please note if you have a private account, we will not be able to see your posts and include you in the daily prize drawing.
Grand Prize:
-2021 Pisgah Stage Race Entry
-Sycamore Cycles daily wash and inspection package
-Bikeflights roundtrip travel voucher
Daily Prizes from:
Stage 1- GU Energy Product
Stage 2- Specialized Hi-Vis Kit
Stage 3- Retul Fit at Sycamore Cycles
Stage 4- AMP Human
Stage 5- Domestique Coffee and Carborocket
Although challenges are not intended to be difficult, given current circumstances, we understand people may have a varying ability to get outside for an excursion. Because of this, we will also be including a bodyweight strength/core workout that can be completed in the comfort of your own home in replacement of that day’s challenge.
Submitting each daily entry is simple: post a picture or video relating to that day’s challenge (or workout) making sure to tag both @carsonjbeckett and @cypressgorry and be sure to include #StayHomeStageRace. This can be done on a standard post, or a story, on Facebook and/or Instagram. Please note if you have a private account, we will not be able to see your posts and include you in the daily prize drawing.
Grand Prize:
-2021 Pisgah Stage Race Entry
-Sycamore Cycles daily wash and inspection package
-Bikeflights roundtrip travel voucher
Daily Prizes from:
Stage 1- GU Energy Product
Stage 2- Specialized Hi-Vis Kit
Stage 3- Retul Fit at Sycamore Cycles
Stage 4- AMP Human
Stage 5- Domestique Coffee and Carborocket
Stage One Challenge: Let’s see your favorite mid ride snacks!
Prize of the day is pictured, from GU Energy Labs!
While out on your adventure, make a post showing your fuel of choice. Make sure to include #StayHomeStageRace and tag @cypressgorry and @carsonjbeckett.
It’s important to keep fueled regardless whether you’re going out for a race or just a casual ride. Starting with the fuel reserves and refueling post effort is just as important as having the fuel during your ride.
Pack it in, Pack it out! Something we do every ride, and hope that all others enjoying the outdoors do the same.
For those of you who are not able to get out, the optional Workout of the Day is also included. Make sure to show some evidence you put in the work. Enjoy!
Prize of the day is pictured, from GU Energy Labs!
While out on your adventure, make a post showing your fuel of choice. Make sure to include #StayHomeStageRace and tag @cypressgorry and @carsonjbeckett.
It’s important to keep fueled regardless whether you’re going out for a race or just a casual ride. Starting with the fuel reserves and refueling post effort is just as important as having the fuel during your ride.
Pack it in, Pack it out! Something we do every ride, and hope that all others enjoying the outdoors do the same.
For those of you who are not able to get out, the optional Workout of the Day is also included. Make sure to show some evidence you put in the work. Enjoy!
Stage Two Challenge: Be Bright, Be Seen!
Prize of the day: HyperViz SL Kit from Specialized Bicycles
It’s important to be visible when out on the bike. We want you to be safe by wearing bright clothing on your ride today and/or add a light for visibility on the road! Since we have a good portion of road commuting to be done tomorrow, the challenge involves these elements (and of course, the W.O.D. as an alternative).
Prize of the day: HyperViz SL Kit from Specialized Bicycles
It’s important to be visible when out on the bike. We want you to be safe by wearing bright clothing on your ride today and/or add a light for visibility on the road! Since we have a good portion of road commuting to be done tomorrow, the challenge involves these elements (and of course, the W.O.D. as an alternative).
Stage Three Challenge: Get Fit, Get a Fit!
Join us for the bodyweight workout today
Bike fits are often a greatly overlooked piece of the puzzle for overall on-the-bike performance. Guess what? So is strength training! As coaches, both Carson Beckett and I strongly believe including strength training in your routine is crucial. Knowing access to a gym is basically obsolete at this time, we challenge you to complete the bodyweight workout in picture 2. This time, the workout is the challenge. Individual exercises are all demonstrated in this post.
The corresponding prize is a RETÜL Bike Fit from Sycamore Cycles Pisgah Forest! Just post proof in any way you see fit—garmin/watch/video recording etc. are all great options!
Join us for the bodyweight workout today
Bike fits are often a greatly overlooked piece of the puzzle for overall on-the-bike performance. Guess what? So is strength training! As coaches, both Carson Beckett and I strongly believe including strength training in your routine is crucial. Knowing access to a gym is basically obsolete at this time, we challenge you to complete the bodyweight workout in picture 2. This time, the workout is the challenge. Individual exercises are all demonstrated in this post.
The corresponding prize is a RETÜL Bike Fit from Sycamore Cycles Pisgah Forest! Just post proof in any way you see fit—garmin/watch/video recording etc. are all great options!
Stage Four Challenge: PR Day!
Get out there and set a Personal Record! Set a Strava PR on any flat or uphill segment. Kudos for a KOM/QOM! We want you all to be safe and don’t want anyone out there taking risks, so PR’s on downhill segments will not count towards completion of the challenge. Prize up for grabs tomorrow is the Next Gen PR Lotion Hardcore Kit from AMP Human. Kit includes 2 bottles, and 5 on-the-go packets.
Get out there and set a Personal Record! Set a Strava PR on any flat or uphill segment. Kudos for a KOM/QOM! We want you all to be safe and don’t want anyone out there taking risks, so PR’s on downhill segments will not count towards completion of the challenge. Prize up for grabs tomorrow is the Next Gen PR Lotion Hardcore Kit from AMP Human. Kit includes 2 bottles, and 5 on-the-go packets.
Stage Five Challenge: Caffeine Boost!
To get through the final day we’re going to need a little extra boost! Show us your morning ritual or favorite coffee drink before your workouts or rides!
Not a coffee person? Me neither, but the new Half Evil Cold Brew flavor is still one of my favorites! For those of us that don’t partake in caffeine feel free to get creative and show us a staple of your mornings or something that helps you start your day on the right foot.
Prize for the day is some Domestique Coffee along with CarboRocket goodies!
To get through the final day we’re going to need a little extra boost! Show us your morning ritual or favorite coffee drink before your workouts or rides!
Not a coffee person? Me neither, but the new Half Evil Cold Brew flavor is still one of my favorites! For those of us that don’t partake in caffeine feel free to get creative and show us a staple of your mornings or something that helps you start your day on the right foot.
Prize for the day is some Domestique Coffee along with CarboRocket goodies!
Project Partners
A huge Thank You to the sponsors and partners helping support this project to advocate for a safe, healthy, fun-seeking adventure.
