Sunday, December 5, 1999 -- Sissonville, WV
Sissonville Cyclocross/MTB Race #2
Story and photos by Don Parks
Additional photos contributed by Jack Downs and Diann Clothier

[Coverage/Recap] [Results]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6] [Set 7] [Set 8]

Beware, there are a few cyclocross obstacles out there!

Once again Sissonville was blessed with unusually mild weather for a December bike race. While cyclocross races are often held in frigid temperatures on icy courses, this isn't your typical cyclocross race. Yes, there are several cyclocross type obstacles on the 1.7 mile circuit. However, there are no rules as to the type of bike that is allowed and the mountain bikes came out in numbers.

With an early afternoon start, the expert and sport classes took off just ahead of the beginner classes. It wasn't too long until Ryan O'Connor and Gunnar Shogren took hold of the first and second places, respectively. With O'Connor opting for the mountain bike while Shogren handled the cross bike, they stayed close through the first lap and a half of their 6 lap race. As O'Connor pulled away late in the second lap Shogren fought problems as he dropped his chain several times throughout the race.

O'Connor finesses his way through the trees

In the end it was O'Connor taking first, and enough cash to cover his entry fee and still take home over $100, finishing in 48:56. Shogren held onto second (51:27) while Mike Bowen (53:06) took third. O'Connor attributed a lot of his success to his choice to run a mountain bike on the bumpy terrain, but Shogren made no excuses and simply said, "I wasn't having a good day."

The Men's Sport class competed over four laps and was dominated by some young West Virginia talent. Finishing first was 15 year-old Eric McCumbers (37:08) with fellow teenagers Anthony Schwartz (39:06) and Ryan Hobbs (39:43) grabbing second and third, respectively.

The Women's Sport Class decided their race over three laps with Jennifer Shogren (30:26) finishing first. The battle for second had Jenette Williams taking the early lead while Mandi Williams chased. In the final lap, Mandi closed and raced just off Jenette's wheel. As they bombed down the final short hill and climbed the bank to the finish they tangled with another rider. As the dust cleared it was Jenette (33:16) holding on for second with Mandi (33:18) settling for third.

Patty Poff enjoys a day at the races and so should you

At the two lap distance the winners were Adam Johnson (21:36), Beginner Men, Jenni Johnson (39:19), Beginner Women, and Larry Kelly (23:31), Masters 45+ Men. In the single lap races top honors went to Patty Poff (32:57), Masters 45+ Women, Richie Harris (10:45), First Timer Men, Nancy Rinick (24:13), First Timer Women, and David Johnson (14:46), Kids 14 and Under.

The record crowd for a Sissonville Cyclocross/MTB Race enjoyed tremendous hospitalities after the race thanks to Steve Thaxton, Worldwide Chiropractic & Sports Medicine, and his generous volunteers. Plenty of awards were handed out while enough energy drinks and pizza went around to please everyone. If you missed this race, or just want some more, we'll be looking for you at the Series Championship on January 9th.