Finley Hills
5 April 1998
by Kevin Axt
The day dawned nice and sunny for the last race of the 1998 Spring Series. A total of 54 riders came out and rode the course that will be used for the Finley Hills Challenge NORBA Race in two weeks (April 18). Although the sun was out, the wind she was a blowin'. Typical spring weather. The "out-of-towners" were again well represented. Racers came from the following cities: [Walla Walla - Yakima - Hermiston, OR - Spokane - Wenatchee - Moses Lake]. Thankx again to all that helped out, including Greg Turpen (course marking&layout), John Limbaugh and Robert Croft (registration), Neil & Jay Webber (Facilities), Randy & Alex "Watch out for the Cows!" Coleman and Marc Umphries (Gate Keepers) and Rich Hallen (course marking). Thankx all!
Congratulations to all who came out and competed in the 1998 Spring series. Over 120 different people participated in at least one race and 13 dedicated (or is that obsessed <g>) souls competed in ALL 5 events.
A big THANK-YOU to the sponsors who provided prizes for the raffles that were held at the series races: Kennewick Schwinn, Markee's Cycling Center and Richland Schwinn.
Check out the Beginner Race (Overall) Results.
The Sport Race
"Poke's Singletrack Climb"
by Kevin Axt
If you read the last race report, you're familiar with the escapades of "Poke" and I. Here's some further adventures.
Once again, my faithful steed "Poke" and I found ourselves on the starting line. This would probably be our last organized race of the season (until fall rolled around again). "Poke" and I found ourselves surrounded by 26 other Sport class racers eager to take on one of my favorite courses. As we pulled up to the starting line after the Expert class took off, I knew that we would receive a great start from the officials. None other than the famous starter, Alex "Big Tire" Coleman, was on hand today to see us off.
The gun went off and amid the thunderous sounds of cleats clicking into the pedals, we took off into the desert. Quickly ridding myself of any notions of actual racing, I settled into my own snail-like pace. The course was in pretty good shape except for one section of downhill doubletrack that is notorious for its ability to turn into moondust. "Poke" and I wound our way through the course until we found ourselves on the singletrack leading up to Turpen's Bridge. No major problems through this section so I got it into my head that I WAS going to make the climb up from the bridge. "Poke" seemed to agree so we greeted the climb with anticipation. I was behind a rider on a dual cush and just hung back far enough so that if he did happen to bobble I'd have enough room and time to get past him. YES!!! We both made it to the top and pointed our bikes downhill towards the Start/Finish area.
The rest of the race went uneventfully and I managed to finish in one piece again. Another successful race and Series for me. I'd like to thank the Gate Keepers at the bottom of the singletrack coming down from Turpen's Bridge for the warnings about the mobile bovine object near the trail. Also a BIG thankx and much appreciation for the little cheering section near the finish of my first lap.
Check out the Sport Race (Overall) Results.
Check out the Expert Race (Overall) Results.
Spring MTB Training Series Race #5 Results
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