This year was a true breakout year for Big Pig Racing. In addition to numerous individual accomplishments, there were some proud and profound team moments as well. Two members, Rich “big pig” Szecsy and Ray “1+1=1” Porter both traveled to Canada to represent Big Pig Racing in the 24hr Solo World Championships, in the singlespeed division no less. Ray took 5th place and Rich took 8th place. While these may have been standout individual efforts, as a team there were some fairly substantial accomplishments. In November, Big Pig Racing had 9 racers enter the UltraCentric 6/12/24/48 Hr race. Big Pig Racing took home a two top finishes in the 6Hr (Rich “Big Pig” Szecsy 4th in Men’s Open, and Inna “seamonster” Innes 3rd in Women’s Open), a 1st place in the 12 Hr (Ray “1+1=1” Porter in Men’s SS), a 1st place in the 24Hr (Brian “porkchop” Brennfroeder 1st in SS), a 5th place in the 24 Hr (Ryan “Cobes” Coburn), and a 2nd place in the 24 Hr. (4 man team with Kevin “kstine” Witherstine, Randy “aggie88” Hancock, Danny “Gapp” Gappinger, and Stephen “ch4os” Thompson). After it was over, there was never a question in that event as to which team dominated the race.

Big Pig Racing participated in over 75 racing efforts in no less than five states, with over 25% efforts resulting in top 10 finishes. Big Pig Racing saw the addition of six new members added for the 2009 roster. This brings the roster up to 20 members racing in the Cat 1 (previously Expert) and Cat 2 (previously Sport), and SingleSpeed Open categories.

New 2009 Roster Members

* Stephen “ch4os” Singlespeed Open
* Danny “Gapp” Gapinger, Singlespeed Open
* Randy “aggie88” Hancock, Cat 2 Men 40-49
* Kevin “kstine” Witherstine, Cat 2 Men 30-39
* Alex “Big Daddy” Rodriguez, Cat 2 Men 40-49
* Luke “ScubaLuke” Simonsen, Cat 2 Men 30-39

In addition to the team racing efforts, Big Pig Racing contributed over 150 hours to trail maintenance in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Several members of the team have chosen to serve in leadership positions for the Dallas Off-Road Bicycling Association (DORBA) which is the largest in Texas and one of the larger in the country with over 700 members. There were other instances where members of Big Pig racing donated time to supporting other community events by serving as bike sweep(s) for local fundraisers. Part of the Big Pig Racing philosophy involves giving back to the cycling community, and as new members are brought in, that remains a key component for membership.

Because of our success on the racecourse, and our attitude towards cycling advocacy off the race course, we are frequently approached about membership to Big Pig Racing. We readily admit we are selective about who races for Big Pig Racing. It is about understanding why we mountain bike. Most of us have jobs, families, and time is a precious commodity. When we do have to time to ride a bike, whether racing or not, everyone on Big Pig Racing remembers that it is about having fun, and some times even making fun of ourselves. It is about supporting each other, and those that support us.

We are fortunate and grateful to have sponsors that believe in our approach, and have continued to support our efforts. Thanks to everyone that helped make 2008 a great year for Big Pig Racing, and hopeful that you can join us in 2009.