Caspar Cassic September 10th

Caspar Classic Mountain Bike Race

Mendocino Coast Cyclists' President Marc Tenzel
said of the inaugural Caspar Classic Mountain Bike
Race, "We had wonderful support and enthusiasm with a
great turnout on a fine course on a beautiful day."
Young Sophie Balme completed the children's
course accompanied by Cindy Ellis. Cindy, an
accomplished rider of our local trails, was impressed
with Sophie's riding as well as her ability to
maintain steady commentary and conversation while she
rides.
The Beginner's category was won by Adan Valencia
with a fine effort on short preparation. Adan rides
occasionally but hadn't been on the bike for a while.
He took to the trails several times last week and
showed good overall fitness and riding ability on the
fairly challenging course.
Adam Sherf of Willits finished 5 minutes behind
Adan but did so on a single-speed mountain bike. The
single-speeder handles well for Adam but sometimes
lacks favorable gearing for the hardest of climbs.
Near the top of "Three-post" trail the terrain pitches
up steeply and it was here that Adam had to walk his
bike. Adding to Adam's challenge was a wrong turn on
the course which cost him up to three minutes on the
backtrack.
Jake Madden, a relative newcomer to the wonders
of the Jackson Demonstration State Forest, enjoyed his
race in finishing third.
Visitors Susan Walsh and Nancy McAravy finished
the course together, walking their bikes where needed
and riding well within their abilities to tie for
first place in the women's Beginner division.

On the Sport/Expert podium were David Conrad,
Gary Calder, and Ed Balme. David rode his "96'er" to
victory in the division and continues a successful
year. Gary was three minutes off David with a great
effort for second place. Gary's been riding somewhat
seriously and very regularly for a little over a year
and has made remarkable gains. Ed rounded out the top
three in the Sport/Expert category. It was great to
see the participation and support of the Balme family
as father and daughter raced while mother and little
one cheered them on. The Balmes sometimes ride as a
family -- three bikes and trailer for the baby Balme.

Visitors came from points beyond -- three
gentlemen from Modesto left around 2:00am to make our
10:00am races and left quite satisfied with their fine
day. We're gaining a reputation for having a unique
trail riding experience. The word of the North
Coast's mountain biking treasure is spreading in bike
shops and in riding groups around California.
Mendocino Coast Cyclists expect this annual event
to grow and become a late-season "must ride" for those
who enjoy the beauty of single-track and cross-country
mountain biking. The MCC thanks its sponsors Catch A
Canoe & Bicycles Too, Fort Bragg Cyclery, and Down
Home Foods for this fine race. The volunteers who
marshalled the course and provided other support are
appreciated as well as the California Department of
Forestry and the Jackson Demonstration State Forest.
From Rick Riley