The sun was shining, birds were sweetly singing, and bicyclists were whizzing by. The third annual Chippewa Valley Firecracker Bicycle Race, which took place in lovely
The evening before, my youngest and I headed to the park to check which trails would be used. We also watched and greeted cyclists both young and old as they pre-rode the trails, becoming familiar with them. Several narrow, twisting, hilly trails had been chosen, along with some wider paths for passing. The Youth category rode a shorter lap of six miles. Citizen and Sport participants cycled 12 and 18 miles, while the the Comp and Elite Women rode three laps of longer trails, putting in 24 miles of mountain biking. The Elite Men rode four laps, totaling 30 miles.
One rider had a flat tire that he quickly fixed. Another had his handlebars suddenly loosen up and had to borrow tools to adjust it, loosing his place as the lead. Towards the end of the race, another man cheerfully walked past us with his bike. Having dislocated his shoulder, he was using his bike to help support his arm. These guys were real troopers!
Participants and spectators came from all over
The next of these races is scheduled for July 15th in
--LKR
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2 comments:
Hi Leza,
I did this race, Sport class. Kind of a pathetic outcome, but at least I wasn't last. Probably middle of the pack overall (without regard to age, gender or class), though I haven't confirmed that. I prefer longer distance endurance type races, but do a few shorter ones to have something to work for.
Tim
Hi, Tim! Sorry Hannah and I didn't recognize you, but as a teacher at the kid's school that cycles told us, this week, "We all look alike, don't we?!" :-D So, you did pretty decently! :-) What amazed me is how you all were able to ride up the narrow, bumpy pathway of the Worm trail! I can imagine there wouldn't be too many opportunities for passing, back there--if any! You weren't aware that you were, quite literally, in our backyard, did you?! :-D Next time(!), bring Priscilla and Heidi with, and come stay with us! Pit stops are also always welcomed (and encouraged!!!) if that's all the time you have! :-) (--Yes, we really miss not having company like we did back in IL!!!) Miss you all!
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