text: There's fun for all at the Steamboat Stinger | SummitDaily.com
  There's fun for all at the Steamboat Stinger
  Story and photo by Leah Vann
  Rick Zimmerman grabs a water bottle at the aid station on Ridge Trail at Saturday's Steamboat Stinger.
  Leah Vann / lvann@SteamboatToday.com
  The Steamboat Stinger's Ridge Trail aid station is the largest on the course and has dubbed itself the "Team Fun" aid station for its plethora of snacks and enthusiasm.
  There's a table of Stinger gummies and waffles, along with boxes of Nuun electrolyte tablets and water bottles. Classic rock blasts through the speakers under a tent with a table of bananas, apples and pretzels. The only time you see a volunteer take a break is to spray sunscreen on his or her arms and legs, but many wear sleeves or neck covers to save time. Cyclists pass through the Team Fun aid station on their way up the Ridge Trail, then back down when they get off the Beall Trail. If they complete the 26.2-mile loop twice, then they'll pass through it four times.
  Add the marathon portion, and the King Sting or Queen Bee competitors will pass through the Team Fun aid station six times in one weekend. The 10 volunteers and one EMT are expected to be at the aid station from the 7 a.m. setup until the last rider comes through around 5 p.m.
  "We used to try and race and set a course up for three straight days. Not a smart move." Peterson said. "I think it's fun, number one, but it's also giving back, so me and Bird do some endurance racing, but we've been racing for a long time."
  "Nuun, water at the end!" Peterson yells. "Pull over to the side!" Bird follows.
  "I love these guys," Sullivan said.
  Bird designed the course eight years ago and has since modified it for cyclists and runners to get the most out of its singletrack terrain. He's been up since 5 a.m., when he swept the course, making sure all was in place.
  Part of the course sweep was making sure the cyclists had signs of encouragement along the brutal course. Each sign provides comedic relief for competitors who may be struggling up the mountain. At the bottom of Angry Grouse hill, a sign reads "It's just a hill, get over it …" Bird describes the short, steep climb as "gut-punching."
  As riders exit the Ridge Trail aid station for the second time, a sign reads, "Keep chafing the dream." Others read: "Smile if you're not wearing underwear" and "Chuck Norris runs until the treadmill gets tired."