Sunday, September 9, 2001 -- Coopers Rock State Forest - Morgantown, WV
Henry Clay 30K - WVMBA Point Series #13 (iPO Event Id#: 2639)
Story and photos by Dave McKain

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]
[Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3]

[Pic Group 2]

Past Coverage:[1998] [1999] [2000]

Watch out for that tree...

Mountain bike racing is more than just a test of skill and stamina, it is also a game of luck. In the case of Cassie Smith, bad luck took her out of the lead in the form of a flat tire giving Missy Showman the lead which she held onto to take first place in the Womens Expert class.

People have been mountain biking at Coopers Rock SF about as long as mountain bikes have been around. Being on the back porch of Morgantown and WVU - the forest perpetually hosts quite a load of mountain bikers. The forest has also been home to many a mountain bike race including 14 Henry Clay races. With its extensive trail system and rugged terrain, it's no wonder that the forest trails see many visitors from far off lands such as Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. One thing not lacking at Coopers are rocks. Lots of rocks waiting for the next unfortunate underinflated tire to pinch flat.

Missy Showman on her way to a win

In the Mens Expert, Jeremiah Bishop continued his assault on the WVMBA Points Series Championship in taking first place honors, building a 1 minute lead at the half way point up to a three minute gap at the finish. In the Vet Expert class, Steve Thaxton garnered another win putting him in a solid position with only two races to go in the series. Thaxton was aided by Gunnar Shogren who gave up his wheel as he sprinted up the first road climb (3 miles worth). Alas, the help didn't do Shogren much good who promptly blew up at the top as he grabbed for the honor of getting to the top of the hill first.

In the Jr. Expert class, David Layman took the win followed by Mike Raney in second. The pair finished in 8th and 10th overall so watch out next year. In the continuing battle for the sport class, Joe Stone held off JB Forinash and Ian Custer to take the win while Matt McDonald wasn't far behind in taking the Jr. Sport win. In the Womens Sport class, Stacey Levendorf took top honors while Shandon Hime headed up the big boys (clydesdale).