Finley Hills
21 March 1999
by JRA (the mountain biker formerly known as Kevin)
It sounded like we picked the wrong day to hold a race! Greg Turpen told me that it was sunny and 70 degrees on Saturday when he was out marking the course. By the time the race started on Sunday, temperatures were in the 40's and the wind was blowing at gale speeds. Ever notice how you're always riding into the wind? (hmmm) Only 26 hardy souls braved the weather but I hope you had fun. With so few riders coming out, everyone had a really good chance of winning something in the raffle. Riders from the following cities made the trip over to race: Yakima - Moses Lake - Union Gap - Walla Walla. Thanks to all that helped Greg run the race while I was out of town.
A big THANKX to the sponsors who contributed towards the raffle prizes: SAGEBRUSH CYCLES [Yakima], BICYCLE BARN [Walla Walla], SCOTT'S CYCLE & SPORTS [Hermiston], KENNEWICK SCHWINN, RICHLAND SCHWINN, MARKEE'S CYCLING CENTER [Kennewick], and BIG RIVER BIKE WERKS [Kennewick]. Stop by any of these businesses and let them know that you appreciate their support of the Spring Series.
Goto the finish order for this race.
The Beginner Race
A very small beginner field saw Rod Spaniel make the most and claim first place. Greg Parsley, Jamie Freisz (the only woman who came out to race), and Bob Hawks finished in that order. Tough conditions but you all deserve a hand for finishing.
Right now, Jamie Freisz is sitting pretty in 2nd overall. Rod Spaniel is holding onto first ... for the moment. The top four spots are all ripe for the taking.
Check out the Beginner Race (Overall) Results.
The Sport Race
First through third place were gobbled up by Jay Webber, Chris Foster, and Robert Hastings. Everybody who turned out was the really winner for being tough enough to race in those conditions. Tip O' the helmet to all.
The top two overall spots are being contested by Jay Webber and Tom Bosch. Jay has a pretty good lead but anything can happen. Just don't taco your wheel like you did at the last ACME race, Tom! Third through fifth spots should see some hot racing this weekend as David Dixon, Gary Larsen, and Derk Thompson duke it out. All three are nestled within just a few points of each other.
Check out the Sport Race (Overall) Results.
The Expert Race
Mark Painter once again tore up the course. Just the day before, he turned in a great ride in a road race to take 1st place and then turns around the next day and is the Top Dog in a mountain bike race! WAY to go! Nipping on Mark's heels were Cory Welsh and Jeremy Freisz who took 2nd & 3rd. Good job, guys.
Mark has a pretty good lock on overall 1st place for the series but Cory Welsh and Jeremy Freisz are in a virtual dead-tie for second place. It ought to be interesting to see who has the most gas left. Third through fifth places are also up for grabs between Clint Andring, Bob McEachern, and Jon Magnuson.
Check out the Expert Race (Overall) Results.
The last race of this years series is April 3 (Saturday). Let's hope for some good weather.
Spring MTB Training Series Race #4 Results
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