Sunday, April 17, 2005 -- Parkersburg - Waverly, WV
Challenge at Mountwood - WVMBA Spring#2 (iPO Event Id#: 6745) Story and photos by Jason Black

[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]
Past Event Coverage: [1999] [2000] [2002] [2003] [2004]

Kickin' up some dust during this dry, hot April

The 2nd race in West Virginia Mountain Bike Association's (WVMBA) Spring Point Series was at Mountwood Park just outside of Parkersburg, WV. Over 200 bikers vied with each other for trail space on the downhills, but other sections of the course helped to spread things out. Mother Nature assisted on the sidelines by throwing some excellent weather their way. With many spectaors to be seen, the spring sunshine was a delight for all.

Area mountain bikers must be in love with this very dry month of April.Not only is it allowing them to get outside with less gear on, but it is also producing perfect track conditions through out the state. The trails at Mountwood State Park in Waverly West Virginia were no exception, with hardly a mud puddle in sight anywhere on the course.

The Mountwood downhill boogie

This Spring Series for WVMBA is going to be top notch, what with all of the locations offered for some great riding. There's no doubt that Mountwood Park has some of the best rider friendly trails around. Check it out for weekend ride, the park provides great camping spots, a beautiful lake, and some of the best trails this side of Canaan Valley.

Bikers seemed to have no fear of speed thanks to the dry trails, producing some fast times and hard spills. As the first group of riders flew by my camera in a blur, I was wondering if I would even be able to get any good pictures at all.

The ladies crank it

The Men's Expert class kept up their pace fast and furious. The first biker to make his way to the finish was Eric Kiderney (1:39:21). Not too far behind in second place was Gerry Pflug (1:39:54). With a couple minuet lapse, Joey Riddle (1:42:20) reached the finisher's tape to place a strong third. Five minutes or so under 2 hours, in the Womens Division, was Charlene Vrabel (1:55:20), who was the first women to complete the course. In second and third place finish Cassie Smith (2:03:30), and Christina Buerkle (2:07:11) took the honors.

The WV Mountain Bike Association's 2nd Spring Point Series Race Sunday, April 17th, 2005, drew a field of over 200 mountain bike racers to the Challenge at Mountwood Race at Mountwood Park in Waverly, WV.

The winning Pro/Expert riders, traveling a 22 ½ mile course, were Eric Kilbenny (Men's Open), Kristy Mantz (Women's Open), Gerry Pflung (Men's Vet 35+), EJ Sigley (Men's Master 45+), Andrew Will (Jr. 18 & Under), and Bradley Kriley (Single Speed).

The winning Sport riders, racing 17 ½ miles, were Will Cragg (Sport 19-34), Charlene Vrabel (Women's Sport 19-34), Derrick Wolfe (High School), Dave Koreski (Sport Vet 35+), Ruth Cunningham (Women's Sport Vet 35+), Pete Arnor (Sport Master 45+), Timothy Graham (Clydesdale 200 lbs.+), and Cai Clothier (Jr Sport 14 & Under - 9 ½ mile course).

Additionally, 16 kids participated in the 12 and under Kids' Races. The winners were Abby Pickens (6 and under), JD Barnette (9&10 year olds), and Samantha Ford (11&12 year olds).

Join the fun next Sunday at the Big Bear Lake Mountain Classic, which will be WVMBA's Spring Point Series Race #3.