Saturday, May 29, 1999 -- Bergoo
2nd Annual Paul Bunyan Mt. Bike Race
Story by Marty Lamp with photos by Don Parks

[Coverage] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Overall Results] [Results by Age]

A competitors view of Matt Marcus

If you haven't had the pleasure of visiting Bergoo before, put it on your list. The small town 10 miles outside of Webster Springs was the home for the 2nd Annual Paul Bunyan MTB Race. Taking place during the popular Woodchopper's Festival and Memorial Day weekend, it was the perfect get-away for the family.

The course started out on a level, paved road. It quickly turned into a gravel road with an increasing gradient that led to a four-wheeler trail with an even steeper gradient until the top was gained, 6 miles from the start. After a short rolling section, it was a technical downhiller's delight for the next 3 miles. Basketball-size boulders and 4 stream crossings kept the rider's attention until the gravel road was crossed. From there it was a quick ride on the roads back to the start to complete the 12 mile loop.

Armin Gooden being quick through the water

Taking the overall win was the venerable Matt Marcus(:55), but don't think that it came easy. From the start, Armin Gooden(:57), Sue Haywood(:58), and Nate Ferguson(:58) pressed a fierce pace by leading an exclusive pack of riders up the mountain. Although Marcus would follow Haywood and Gooden to the summit, he passed them on the rolling section leading to the downhill, where he never looked back. Gooden captured second place overall having alluded Haywood and Ferguson on the final flats. He captured first place in the 19-25 division, while Ferguson battled Haywood to the finish, barely getting the third place position. Haywood finished fourth overall, first in the 26-31 age group, and to the surprise of no one, she was the first female to cross the finish line.

Other age group winners were Bucky Murray(1:05) for the 18 and under class, Keith Lilly(1:12)for the 41-49 age group, and Thomas Lauderman(1:40) for the 50 and over's. Also doing a fine job in their classes were the other female competitors, Patty McCourt, Loretta Budd and Paula Lilly.

After the racing a fabulous prize table was distributed to the winners, as well as most all of the day's racers. Add in a grand refreshment spread complete with fresh fruit trays, baked beans, potatoes, snacks, and an assortment of drinks all served up with grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. You can bet WVOutside and plenty more mountain bikers will be back for more of Bergoo's hospitality next year.

Here's a partial list of those that made it all possible:

CORPORATE SPONSORS
Webster County Hospital
and their supporting pharmaceutical companies
Webster Memorial EMS - Webster Springs VFD

HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS
Tom Lauderman - Nancy Wayne - Casey Chapman
Renee Anderson - Halley Anderson

COURSE MARSHALS
Debbie Painter - Charlotte Bennett - Bob Mace - Rita Greene
Kenneth Chapman - Donnie Armentrout - Richard Brammer

RACE TIMING
Christine Arnold