Cleghorn Harvest Fest Bike Race

HarvestFest09Race

The Cleghorn Harvest Fest Race takes place on the Sunday after Labor Day, with its proceeds going to benefit the Cleghorn School Park. It is held on a 21 mile loop over the challenging terrain south of Cleghorn. This was the 4th year for the race and the largest one yet, with 123 racers, a 20% increase over 2008. The race is the last stop for the WiSport Series. Most of the age groups and the other season long competitions were still up for grabs, so the pace was high in both races.

Overdrive Cycling was well represented. In the 21 mile race, Ricky Wells took 1st overall on his single speeder. Amy Young, Cheryl Olson and Sandy Blanchard, Terry Hintz and Taylor Blodgett each won their age groups. Sandy LaValley took second in her age group and Todd LaValley and Ann Franke each took 3rd in their age groups. This was the first race for Amy, Cheryl, Sandy B., Sandy L. and Todd. They insist they had a great time and can't wait to do it again. Paul Reid and I also had good races and a good time, placing 6th and 7th in our age group.

In the 42 Mile version, Joan Carlson won the women's race in a close sprint over Deb Landon. This was Joan's first road race after breaking her collar bone 2 years ago at Grand View's Firehouse 50. Jeff Sorenson was 11th and Wally LaFrancis took 13th in their very competitive age group.

In addition to the overall and age group awards, our sponsor, Terry from Bike and Sport, donated great door prizes, including A Campy Corkscrew, 2 pairs of racing tires and a Kurt Kinetic trainer.

HarvestFest09Sweeping

This race would not be possible without the volunteers. Saturday evening, Ricky, Ann, Steve, Bruce, Bill, Cheryl, Sandy, Todd, Dave, Jerry, Amy, Joel brought brooms and Troy brought a blower, to help me and Taylor clear the gravel and sand from the intersections and corners on the course. We broke up into teams and leap-frogged our way around, clearing it in under an hour. Many hands make light work.

Sunday morning Doug and Sharon came early to register the racers. Jim P., Craig, Dave, Jerry, Bill and Tracy joined the volunteers from the Lions Club to marshall the corners of the course and help keep the racers safe. Bruce and Linda drove the SAG vehicles for the 2 races.

In all we had a very successful and fun race.