Sunday, April 15, 2012 -- Waverly, WV / Mountwood Park
Simonton Windows Challenge at Mountwood - WVMBA #1
2012: [Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results]
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Mild Weather Starts WVMBA Season
Story by Chris Swarr with photos by Rachel Everly.
Being the first event in the West Virginia Mountain Biking Association's annual race series always involves an element of risk. April weather can be fickle, and the precipitation roulette has gone bust at times over the storied history of the Simonton Windows Challenge At Mountwood mountain bike race.
Even in recent memory, the start pistol has sent riders headlong into driving rain and even snow squalls . . . . . . but not this year.
Along with the main event, a youth skills clinic before the race put on by the River Valley Mountain Bike Association produced tons of Kodak moments, and it all added up to as fun and gratifying a mountain biking happening as has ever been seen at Mountwood Park (www.mountwoodpark.org).
Among the masochistic-to-the-casual-observer Single Speed class, Nathan Annon bested Montana Miller and Joseph Malone, in that order. Masters Expert saw Mike Boyes edge out Brocc Kaylor and Scott Root for the win, and the Vet Expert victory was had by Jason Cyr with Don Galligher and Don Powers on his heels.
Sport Women class winner Jessica Emerick cruised in ahead of Alena Klimas and Nicole Smith, and Laurie Johnston won the Vet Women's division followed by Jennifer Smith and Shelley Schumaker for second and third places.
The Men's Sport class witnessed James Braswell clip Merwin Davis and Matthew Fratezak for the top spot.
In the Clydesdale class, Travis Olsen nipped Camden Dierkes, followed by Tony Beurskin in third. Brandon Williams won the High School division, with JD Barnette and Andrew McGrothers taking the next two spots. Austin Griffith grabbed the Junior classification win; Miranda Tyler and Levi Shreves took second and third places in this class.
In Men's Beginner Robert Morris was followed by Mike Benner and Allyn Thompson for the top three finishes. Beginner Women was won by Beverly Reed, and Elizabeth Sauro and Corianne Kocarek rolled in behind her for second and third.
Next WVMBA Points Series Races
- Big Bear Lake Mountain Bike Classic - WVMBA #2 on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Big Bear Lake Camplands in Bruceton Mills, WV.
- Chief Logan Wilderness Challenge - WVMBA #3 on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Chief Logan State Park in Logan, WV.
- #1 WVMBA ULTRA race is the Middle Mountain Momma on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Douthat State Park in Clifton Forge, VA.
- View the complete race schedule online at: WVMBA.com
Special Thanks
Many thanks go out to all who participated and all who volunteered their time and services to make the Simonton Windows Challenge At Mountwood such a successful event.
A special shout out goes to the River Valley Mountain Bike Association for their countless hours of trail stewardship and race organization, and to Mountwood Park and its employees for being such excellent hosts. We hope to see everyone again next year.
Much appreciation also goes out to all the sponsors, without which the Challenge At Mountwood would not be possible. They include:
- Simonton Windows (www.simonton.com)
- Parkersburg Bicycle (www.parkersburgbike.com), race presenter
- Mother Earth Foods (www.motherearthworks.com)
- River Valley Mountain Bike Association (RVMBA.com)
- West Virginia Mountain Bike Association (WVMBA.com)
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car ... Leavitt Funeral Services ... Janney
- Parkersburg Orthopedics ... Papa John's Pizza
- Wood County Emergency Communications ... Deerwalk VFD
- Flexmag ... Miller Door ... Solvay ... Little Debbie Snacks
- Bob's Bicycle Shop ... Dimex Corporation ... Foodland
- Conn's Potato Chips ... Audio Extreme DJ & Sound Services
- Barker Bradley & Blinn Insurance Agency ... Pepsi ... Ketel 1 Team Wear