Mountain bikers race out of prison

Local riders enjoyed scenic views along their path during the "Race Behind Bars" in Folsom earlier this month. Photo by Vince Tarry

By Mark Crofoot

The second Northern California High School Mountain Bike Race of the season took place on March 10 on the grounds of Folsom Prison. More than 480 racers took part in the first “Race Behind Bars.”

The race, taking place over a six-mile course starting from the Folsom fairgrounds, sent racers through the trees and on to the rolling hills of the Folsom prison property.  This is the first time for the league at this local venue.

Forty plus riders represented local high schools with great success against some of the fastest riders in the state. The Oak Ridge Trojans were able to place two freshman riders on the podium. Ian Crofoot overcame an early crash to fight back to fifth place and Kristofor Lewis was able to win maintaining his first-place standing in the league.

The Bruins of Ponderosa had another successful outing with a win for Samantha Olson and fourth place for Nathan Kohl.

Mark Ferry’s Spartans Composite Team, consisting of riders from many local schools, continued its State Championship ways, placing four riders on the podium and maintaining the number one spot in the league.

“I am proud of the efforts of all of our riders today,” said Ferry. “We asked sophomore Ashley Albor to move up a division to join a very competitive girls varsity field and she was able to deliver an impressive second place finish.”

The teams will be back at it again in two weeks at Granite Bay. This will be the first race of the season with the north and south divisions of the league combined. The race organizers expect more than 800 racers to participate with up to 100 in any one division.

More information can be found at cyclingdev.org

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Posted by Special to Village Life on Mar 14 2013.
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