Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge

The Mountain Challenge filled to capacity three days before the event. As a result, we closed on Thursday morning, August 3. Closure meant we were unable to accomodate day of event registration.
Earlier in July, but still late in the registration process, we were able to secure the Hilton Hotel as a location for early check-in on Friday, the eve of the event. 50 entrants availed themselves of this option, despite the fact that we were very late in getting the word out.
Since early check-in helps the long milers get a smooth, easy and early start, next year will alo have a Friday night check-in, probably at the Hilton Hotel. Hilton management has again offered us their facility, and for those using the hotel for accomodations, this is a convenient option; -walk to check-in and an easy two mile bike ride to the start/finish.
The ride's weather chairman came through for us. That splendid coolness, coupled with with the idyllic scenery for cycling through narrow pastoral country lanes, surrounded in many cases, by tall redwoods and majestic oak trees, provided riders with unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature.
We were not without incidents which we would rather forget about. Four riders brushed the earth with off course deflections, but except for one, who was air lifted out because of a concussion, the remainder came through mostly with road rash. Two of the bikes were rendered unridable without repair.
Complementing the ride this year were several bike mechanics who provided their expertise to handle unpredicted mechanical problems. The "Bike Doctor" provided services at the high school, then moved his operation to mid course, after many miles of pedaling. We are grateful to them for sharing their day, along with the numerous other donors, but not present on Saturday. These off camera donors are nonetheless very important to our success. You will see them otherwise shown on the WEB site.
Back at the high school, many of the riders received a surprise during mid afternoon when they were treated to a medley of jazz renditions, provided by Marshall Otwell, who played magnificently, despite the somewhat detuned piano.
A number of people were awarded prized donations, one of which was a transferable gift certificate, provided by the Hilton, for a night's stay, and another was a bicycle trip computer. The Hilton package was won by William Clark, Jr. Various other clothing options were also random awarded by registrant number.
The T-shirts were a big hit, and sold out before we finished registration. We will explore an additional run if we get enough pre-paid interest.
Although we closed the course at 5PM, and we continued to feed people through 6 PM, I passed several long milers pedaling back on Glenwood Drive at 6:40, after I left for the evening. Next year, more long milers should try the early check-in option and get started at 0630 hours.

Mark your calendars, and remember that we filled early this year. Don't be disappointed. Register as early as you can afford to."

Michael

Please check back soon. We are in the process of compiling the photo and rider comment pages.
Tim McCloskey

This event is put on by The Santa Cruz County Cycling Club.
Proceeds from the event go to the club's bicycling educational activities.