With low humidity and temps in the 60s, it was a glorious day to ride mountain bikes on Sunday, September 2, as 75 riders from across the Northland came together to pedal the hilly single and double track trails of Pincushion Mountain.
But first they had to get to the trails, which is no easy feat. Riders assembled on Broadway in front of Superior North Bike Shop and began the mile-anda half pedal up the streets and snowmobile trail leading to Pincushion, a lung-busting, calf-straining climb of 600 vertical feet.
Athletes both young and old competed in one of three categories: Citizen racers, Sport racers or Expert Class. Riders in the last class were easiest to spot. They pedaled fast, in control, and were extremely fit.
Finishing first in the Expert Class was Stephen Chapman of Thunder Bay. He pedaled the 21 miles in 1:41:29. Top local male finisher was Mark Barrett of Lutsen who finished in 8th place with a time of 1:54:08. Not far behind was John Alt in 14th place in 2:01:28, with John Twiest in 16th place at 2:04:40.
Above: Hardly looking winded, Peter Spence of Plymouth was first among the men finishers in the Citizen Race. Right: Keri Brown follows Jaidyn Brown closely in the citizen race. The Thunder Bay duo finished in a dead heat for 1st place.
Other local finishers include Cory Berg, 21st; Chad Beyers, 22nd; Tim McGrath, 23rd; Jay Decoux Arrowsmith, 24th; Max Whalers, 26th; and Bill Lane, who placed 28th.
Kerrie Fabius, Grand Marais, finished first in the women’s division in the Expert Class in 2:06:48. Cook County High School cross country coach April Wahlstrom finished second, 27 minutes back of Fabius, while Kaily Trodd of Thunder Bay was third overall.
Top local finisher in the 6-mile race was Lucas Fenwick who placed 8th in 52:42.
Ryan Pendziwol of Thunder Bay placed first in the 15-mile race in 1:29:10. Top local finisher was David Welch, who placed 3rd in his 35-49 year age group with a time of 2:01:38.
Also in the 15-mile race were Tim Lederle and Tim Kennedy of Grand Marais, who were 2nd and 3rd in the 49 and over age group bracket while Mark Abrahamson wasn’t far behind in sixth place.
Reilly Wahlers, age 11, was first in the under 20 division for girls. She finished the 15-mile race in 2:23:01. Nancy Rova started the race half an hour late and finished third in the women’s 35-49 division in the 15-mile race in 2:13:55.
While there were a few flat tires and a few spills, the riders seemed pleased with the course and most were complimentary after the race.
Mark Spinler, race organizer, said, “I want to thank all of the sponsors and people who came and helped us put on the race. The race gets a little bigger every year and the feedback was very positive.”
While the tally isn’t complete, the race raised “around $2,000,” said Melinda Spinler. Proceeds from the race go to the Superior Cycling Association, which uses the funds for “putting trails on the ground countywide,” said Spinler.
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