Sunday, September 22, 2002 -- Big Bear Lake - Bruceton Mills, WV
Big Bear Lake MTB - WVMBA Pts. #15 (Championship) (iPO Event Id#: 4802)
Story and photos by Don Parks

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6] [Set 7] [Set 8] [Set 9]
[Set 10] [Set 11] [Set 12] [Set 13]
Past Race Coverage: [1998] [1999] [2000] [2001]

Sue Haywood having fun back in WV

Big Bear Lake played host to the 2002 WVMBA Series finals, and the crowds came out to show their approval. West Virginia's own Sue Haywood made the show and it was no surprise to watch her also win the women's expert/pro race.

There was a bit of a surprise as Gunnar Shogren game out for a rare mountain biking performance. He proceeded to take control right from the start and never looked backed as he went on to win the race overall.

Flyin' into action at the finals

But when it came to WVMBA points, neither Haywood or Shogren had a shot. The 2002 series winners were Daniel Evans and Sarah Crandall-Fletcher. With Crandall in the series lead, she did all she needed finishing second only to Haywood in the finals. Evans needed a good show as he went into the race second in points, but a win in the men's expert/pro division (Gunnar raced vet/exp) and an early flat by TJ Platt put him on top of the podium.

Shogren's winning time 1:36:19 was a well over three minutes faster than Evans' second place time of 1:39:56. When asked about the competition from the 40-year-old Shogren, "I can't keep up with that old man," came Evans' respectful reply.

Gunnar Shogren hammers the field

In an even greater display of dominance, Haywood's winning womens time of 1:45:47 was over 15-minutes better than Crandall's 2:02:59. But there is a reason why Sue just finished the 2002 NORBA season ranked 5th in both crosscountry and short track.

Regardless of where everyone finished, it was time to celebrate the end of the 2002 WVMBA series. The party after the race was huge with a fine chicken dinner and beverages on tap. And for those that made the most of the season, a little cash and prizes was an especially sweet dessert.