Miguel Valadez (Bear Valley Bikes) captured the Pro Men’s victory.
JULY 30, 2013, Running Springs, Calif. — Mountain bike racers crave a challenge, and that’s exactly what they got at Rim Nordic on Sunday. Along with high elevation and one of the more technically testing courses in Southern California, the 169 competitors in attendance also had to deal with the warmest weather yet experienced in the San Bernardinos this year. Hydration and pacing played pivotal roles toward success at the 20th season opener of mountain bike racing at this venue, just across Highway 18 from Snow Valley.
A number of athletes from the community proved their mettle with solid results. In the first wave of racing—for Category 3 (Novice) riders—Dakota Greer, Logan Plemons, Jason Holzberger and Richard Teachout all finished their days standing on the Rim Nordic podium with medals around their necks.
Category 2 (Intermediate) contenders took to the 7.95-mile route next. John Stehmeier, sponsored by Wake & Wheel, put in two stellar laps to capture second place in one of the largest classes of the day. Megan Bradley was riding well in her class until a mechanical problem forced her to the sidelines.
Reka and Dalma Felenyi, just back from a USA Cycling training camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado, toughed out three laps in Category 1 (Expert) and finished first and second in their age group, respectively. Paul Adamson placed third in the very competitive 40-44 Men’s division.
Always a contender at Rim Nordic, Garnet Vertican was looking at a strong Pro Men’s result until slicing his rear tire on a rock and then struggling with the repair. He estimated that he lost ten minutes with this misfortune; he finished eighth, exactly ten minutes off the winning time.
Round two of the series takes place July 14th. For more information, visit www.rimnordic.com.
Complete photo gallery can be viewed here.
This article was submitted by request for publishing in the Mountain News.
