After adding Oriflame to the race last year to the "delight" of all, we went even further and added the Banner Toll road into the mix, eliminating miles of pavement and upping the difficulty even more! And not only did we add the Banner Toll road, but we took out the easy middle third and put in Wayne's trail which "delighted" the racers to no end!
The day started out great as the racers listened to pre ride instructions.
The guy's race was epic! Previous year's winners, Brent Prenzlow and Guy Sutton were joined by Danish National Champion Simon Jenson. Other strong riders of note, Dez Wilder, Greg Gibson, Chris Crosby, Tom Andrews, Luke Weins, Mario Correa, Clifford Clermont and Aaron Hauck joined the fray.
Early on climbing Boulder Creek Road the top 4 riders started pulling away from the pack.
Pictured Left to right Simon Jenson, Brent Prenzlow, Guy Sutton and Mario Correa
Then through the 2nd rest stop at Fages Monument the top 4 were whittled down to 3 as Mario succumbed to flats and mechanicals.
Then a most interesting development as the top 3 plunged down to the Banner rest stop on Chariot Canyon.
Simon Jenson had taken the lead!
But hot on his heels was last year's winner Guy Sutton, AND surprisingly Brent Prenzlow was no where to be seen!
Then the race up the Toll Road began. Simon in the lead, Guy second and Brent starting 4 minutes back due to a mechanical in the 3 Canyons loop. By the top of the Toll Road Brent had passed Guy and had caught Simon.
Into the Start Finish Zone, Brent and Simon came in together and Guy was around 2 and 1/2 minutes back.
Then into the Santa Ysabel Preserve where Brent & Simon went through the far west loop together.
Guy Sutton further back was still giving it his all.
Then in fourth place came Chris Crosby, but problems would plague him in the preserve, and Dez Wilder would pass him to take over his position by race end.
Brent came out of the the bottom section with a 2 minute lead as his strength was too much for Simon.
Brent now well in the lead had an escort worthy of the Tour de France into the start finish area!
Our podium from left to right, Guy Sutton 3rd, Brent Prenzlow 1st, Simon Jenson 2nd.
The womens race was over early as Shalyn Gates and Heather Ranoa rode off together to tie for first place.
Bruce Wilson again won the 50 plus division
Steve Boland stayed steady throughout the day and once again took the 55 plus division
Steve Horton won the 55+ Single Speed division
Wendy Skean ,at the age of 66 ,was our oldest competitor and won the womens 60+ division.
Calvin Mulder, the crazy one, won the fixie divison and completed the whole course and was 17th overall!
Laurie Horton finished 1st in the womens 45+ division.
John Wright took the Clydesdale division and immediately ate his pie after his ride!
Thomas King at 15 years of age won the Jr. divison. Way to go!!!
And of course this event would not have been possible without our great group of volunteers! Left to right: Lee, Angie, Victor, Sam, Bob, Jean, and Steve. Not pictured, Shirley and Michael from North of the Border Bikes.
We hope to see you next year!