Chamna Preserve (aka ACME)
April 2, 2000
by Greg Turpen
While many were a) on Spring Break vacation, b) road racing in Spokane, or c) mountain bike racing in Seattle, 30 or so folks enjoyed perfect conditions at the final race of the 2000 Sagebrush Singletrack Series. Sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70's set the stage for racing a flat and fast ACME course. This years course was a 4.5 mile loop running in a clockwise configuration with nearly 75 percent single track.
Although race categories were recognized, everyone left the starting line together. If you felt fast today you had your chance to show your stuff. And for good reason. At the starting line the racers were told that the first rider to finish the first lap would get a special prize! And the racers were promised the prize would not be a sagebrush, rock, etc.
Thanks today to Greg Turpen (registration and course), Kevin Axt (course), Al and Betsy Colburn (registration and finish line).
Many thanks to our devoted sponsors. Without them we would not be able to dish out such cool garb at each race. Support the following vendors: BIG RIVER BIKE WERKS [Kennewick], MARKEE'S CYCLING CENTER [Kennewick], ELITE ATHLETE [Yakima], SAGEBRUSH CYCLES [Yakima], ATOMIC ALE BREWPUB & EATERY [Richland], BICYCLE BARN [Walla Walla], KENNEWICK SCHWINN, and last but not least RICHLAND SCHWINN.
The Expert Race
The Experts would tackle 5 laps toady. As the racers took off, a small group of two broke out early and put a 2:00 minute lead on third place. Jim Dole led the entire first lap at a blazing pace closely followed by Greg Turpen, the unregistered race director. Jim went on to take the first lap, the prize, the overall win and the series points championship! Not a bad day. Greg bowed out after the first lap, citing he wanted to see who would work for the prize offer. Clint Andring finished strong to take second. He also set a milestone by finally finishing a race in 2000. Dave Pearson finished close behind for third.
Where are the Expert women?
Expert Class (Overall) Results
The Sport Race
Greg Guensh rode his last Sport race by leading the 4 lap Sport division from start to finish. It didn't appear that Greg lost any sleep due to the daylight saving time adjustment as he looked strong crossing the finish line all alone. Great ride Greg ... and yes, we can bump you next time. Here's where the race gets fun. John Serkowski and Brent Strecker were never separated by more than 20 feet for the entire race. And at the end it got even closer. John led the race for 3.75 laps until Brent make a successful move for the lead late in the game. 100 yards from the uphill finish they start a sprint for the finish. John retook the lead for a one half bike length second place. Jon's second place earns him the Sport Men's Series Point Championship.
Where are the Sport women?
The SingleSpeed Race
Three takers for the Single speed category today. And in the end, Derk Thompson took the victory followed by Rich don't call me BMX Hallen and new Flyers member, Gavin Spomer. Derk also takes the Single Speed Series Point Championship.
SingleSpeed Class (Overall) Results
The Beginner Race
Chris Delay also raced his last Beginner race today with a substantial and uncontested victory. Jeff McIntosh and Garrett Miller were all smiles with the course and for their second and third place finishes, respectively. Garrett's grin was even bigger due to the fact that he takes the Beginner Men Point Champoinship.
Where are the Beginner women? Oh yeah ... they were there. Michelle Crosby, racing her first ever MTB race, placed third. Nicely done! She was preceded by Crystal Morgan, who with second place takes the Overall Beginner Women's Point Championship. First place today was Betsy Colburn. Great racing.
Beginner Class (Overall) Results
Sagebrush Singletrack Series Race #5 Results
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