Secretariat,Tony Brickel,Julie Suhr, and the Tevis Cup

I would like to introduce my friend and running partner Tony Brickel, otherwise known as Secretariat.  Tony a motorcycle racer, Jeep enthusiast, endurance rider, ultra runner, and ride and tie competitor first became interested in the Tevis Cup about 30 years ago.  Because of his competitive nature, he was attracted to this 100 mile endurance ride, because it was known as the toughest 100 miler on the planet.  He quickly learned that in order to do well, on this historic ride, it was important for him to become an accomplished and tough ultra runner.  According to him, “I am not one to let my horse do all the work, it is important for me to do my share too.”  As you can see, he had two goals.  The first was to complete the Tevis and the second to become a well conditioned long-distance runner.   Translated, this meant he had to learn to run up the hills and canyons as well as being able to tackle the steep, switchbacks at Devils Thumb. If you ever climbed Devils Thumb, you know what I mean.

Tony became very efficient and talented as an ultra runner.  That ability served him well in running competitions, ride and tie events, as well as earning 10 Tevis Cup buckles including a top 10 finish. After a brief retirement from running and putting on extra weight, he has returned to running with a vengeance.  I refer to him as Secretariat, because of his ability to never give up, grind it out, and to pull away from other runners as the one and only Secretariat did.

Tony is famous for his wonderful deep laugh, his nature and his goodwill.  He has wonderful stories about his childhood, including his mom and dad and brother and sister.  His mom, at the age of 96, lives in Southern California.  Sister Penny, a couple years older, is a personal trainer and a century bike rider.  His wife Debbie, recently retired, has three Tevis completions, and just last week, spent three hours at the gym exercising.   There are many more stories about Tony, and I will hold them for a later date.  In essence, Tony’s competitiveness and his spreading goodwill define him as a person.  Thank you Tony for being the friend you are.

On another note, Matt Scribner of the Western States Trail Foundation is putting on an evening with  author Julie Suhr on March 29, 2012 at the Auburn Gold Country Fairgrounds.  Julie, an endurance riding legend, has ridden over 30,000 endurance miles, has 22 Tevis Cup buckles including three Haggin Cup wins.  Join us on this occasion.  Additional information can be found on this blog.