Shannock Valley Mountain Bike Race Report 2012

The Shannock Valley 15th Annual Mountain Bike Race certainly had a lot in store for the 82 riders lined up at the Start this morning. The forecast '30% chance of rain' turned out to be a 100% heavens-wide-open deluge that turned the trails into a mud fest, albeit surprisingly rideable one.

(Note: you can skip the entire report and get right to the 300 Race Pics HERE)

Mark Liti, a satisfied survivor of the mud fest

Except maybe, for the hills.
Oh the Hills. The cramp-inducing climbs and bombing fast descents are, as I gather, legend. Be not deterred however, as this course is eminently doable for young and young-at-heart, for beginners and pros alike (according to Coach Levi). Described as rolling hills with some grassy sections, a mix of single and double track, mostly forested this course is relatively safe. It's just, really, really, hilly. Did I say hilly? (Check out the route and elevation chart HERE)

The nice thing about going uphill, is that you can let fly downhill (see pic below).

Hannah Brewer, en route to 1st overall (women's), looks quite happy about going downhill.

The men's overall champion for the 10.5 mile Sport category was Chris Hollingsworth (University Bicycle, Clarion), who has dominated this year's Bike the Wild series. Chris also placed first in the Dash for Cash and Fat Tire Challenge. Chris, who also crushed all the competition in the Sport category of the Bike the Wild series last year, probably should be promoted to Expert category now!

Winners get to take home a sizeable hunk of metal that they could eat dinner off,
and most everyone goes home with pickings from a generous selection of door gifts

Team ESI and their spoils of war. Back (L-R): Josh Shirley, Benjamin Edwards, Aaron Hook, Brad Bowser @ H. Balzac, Eric Shick @ Johnny Awesome, Spencer Clark @ Zen Warrior; Front (L-R): Brian Olearchik (Big O), Patrick Kerr (Slingblade) and Mark Dempster (Sparky)

The Shannock Valley Community Festival is celebrating its 23rd anniversary this year, and though times are tough, sponsors continue to give, and everyone is turning out in support of this awesome three day event that brings the local community together. While many such events have car shows, rides, DJs, magicians, entertainments, food vendors, etc... this has to be the only one with a Wiener Dog Race in our neck of the woods.

Random cute photo from fortfido.blogspot.com

Check out the 300 Race Pics HERE , and get more information on the Shannock Valley Community Festival at svcfestival.com

xo Gracie

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