norman
country-financial
March 28, 2024 11:48 am
Your hometown Newspaper since 1987.
Search
Close this search box.

Cyclists Gather In M.V. For Stage Race

By Catherine Ellerton

Moapa Valley Progress

Bicycle racers take on the hills, color and wind during the third stage – the long distance race through the Valley of Fire held on Sunday. Photo by Catherine Ellerton.

“Eight-tenths of a mile ahead will be a sharp left hand turn; you have 15 seconds; keep on the center line the whole way; turn around is marked with cones; you will cross railroad tracks twice; 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 GO!”

The terse instructions of Chris Black, lead official of USA Cycling from San Luis Obispo, California, began the first stage of the Valley of Fire Stage Bicycle Race held Feb. 23-24 in Moapa Valley. Approximately 280 bicyclists came from the western United States and further; including California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah and even as far as New York; to take part in this event.

Each race or stage consists of five categories which allow riders to race against each other and the clock.

The first stage was a Time Trial held early Saturday morning on the Hidden Valley Road in Moapa (6.9 miles). The cyclists rode separately in their category to establish their time. This time would then be used in the riders’ placement in the other stages.

On the road around the Moapa Valley High School was the venue for the second stage – the Criterium (1 mile race-multiple laps). This was a timed race where each category cyclists raced in a pack for 30 minutes.

The final race on Sunday was a long distance race from downtown Overton through the Valley of Fire to the Paiute Plaza and back again (about 70 miles). A rider had to finish the other two races to be qualified for the final race.

The Category 5 – men – beginner racers – start the second stage – the Criterium – of the Valley of Fire Stage Bicycle Race held on the roads around MV High School on Saturday evening. Photo by Catherine Ellerton.

The time from all three stages were added up, bonus and penalty points were calculated and the winners were announced and awarded on the podium at the end of the two day race.

Black explained that this race was exceptional. Normally races are conducted by officials within that area, he explained. But this first stage race is part of the So. California/Nevada Cycling Association. Many of the officials came from different areas and were working together for seven months to bring this race to being, Black said.

In addition to coordinating the cyclists, Black and event coordinator Dirk Cowley brought the many volunteers and members of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce up to speed at a meeting on Friday evening. These folks directed traffic and drove lead and follow cars. They cleared the way, carried spare wheels and designated where a rider might pull out so that they can be picked up later.

What does it take to be a race cyclist? Cyclist Jon Argyle said that he has been riding since his youth. Jon previously rode BMX bikes and then joined The Volo/Bountiful Bicycle Team from Utah. This was his first road bike race.

Some riders were family members as Jay and his son Garrett Simpson from Las Vegas. They belong to the Broken Spoke Team. Both have been runners and had elected to switch to bicycles.

Tyler Chairsell, a Las Vegas Firefighter, said that he has been cycling for 6 years and uses the sport to help keep fit.

Sixteen year old Ryan Kingsolver of Orem, Utah, said that he is in his fifth year of racing. He said that he watched the Tour de France and was hooked. He says racing is fun and he likes the competition.

Keely Brooks of Las Vegas has been riding and racing for 8 years now. She originally rode for Team Las Vegas Colavita Outback Steakhouse Women’s Racing and is currently a member of the Michelob Ultra La Grange Bicycle Club. She likes to encourage women to bicycle for their health, for the exercise and for the friends you will make.

Julie Cutts, who has a home in Las Vegas and one in Overton, has been racing for 7 years. Her first race was 5 weeks after she began bicycling. She began because she needed some “me” time.

“I had no hobbies, was a workaholic, have eight children in a combined family and I just needed something that was mine alone,” she said.

Cutts is a member of the National Racing Circuit (NRC) and has won two National Championships in Oregon in 2012. She currently rides on the Michelob Ultra La Grange Team.

“I’d advise women to make time for yourselves,” she said. “Find something you love to do and embrace it.”

An essential item needed to be a race cyclist is a good bicycle. Dan Kadrmas of the Bountiful Mazda Race Team explained that the wheels alone on a bike might cost between $1,500 to $2,500. The wheels are made from carbon flange and are designed to be strong and aerodynamic. The bicycles themselves can go from $2,500 up with the average price being about $3,000, he said.

The fitness of the racers is also enhanced by what they eat. Cutts explained how important it was to eat well – a racer will burn 2,000 to 3,000 calories a day and must be able to replace this. Racers eat about 2 to 3 hours before a race.

But even more important is the recovery after the race. Chocolate milk is the drink of choice to immediately replace carbs and protein, but it is essential that the athletes eat at least one hour after the race.

As we waited for the cyclists to come over the finish line at Cooper Street next to Maverik, I had the opportunity to talk with James Lavelle’s Mom and Dad, Jim and Lisa. This was James’ first race and his folks were there backing him up. They were very impressed how supportive and friendly the cyclists were to each other and look forward to more races.

Nathan Hughes, Brian Higley and Ben Booth from Salt Lake City and California Pools team members were very enthusiastic about the ‘Elephant Rock’ hill and the amazing view from the top. They explained that about the only time they have a chance to see the sights is when they are climbing a steep hill and slow down long enough to look up.

Dirk Cowley stated that he and his team from Salt Lake City train in St. George every year. They came up with the idea that the Valley of Fire would be a challenge and the Valley would be an inviting venue for a race. It took them seven months to get it all together.

“The members of Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce plus all the local volunteers were incredible!” Cowley said.

See you next year and, until then, “Keep the rubber side down!”

Print This Article:

Share This Article:

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Screen Shot 2023-02-05 at 10.55.46 PM
2-21-2024-fullpagefair
4 Youth Service WEB
2-28-2024 WEB Hole Foods St Patricks
No data was found
2023 WEB BANNER 2 DEFAULT AD whitneyswater
Mesquite Works Web Ad 10-2020
Scroll to Top
Receive the latest news

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get notified about new articles