Rising to the Challenge

Recreational riders were separated from the sport riders in the first-annual Thin Mint Challenge, held last Saturday, September 10th. The host for this second race in the 2005 regional West Texas Champion Series was Girl Scout Camp Kiwanis. Chris Podzemny of Xtreme Sports mustered the enthusiastic support of local cyclists to create 4.5 miles of trail using an authentic West Texas trail at the Girl Scout Camp located just west of Amarillo.

Over sixty riders of all ages braved the new trail, which has been compared to those found in Palo Duro Canyon. One rider attributed his slower-than-usual riding pace to the “road from Hell,” a phrase he used to describe the road past the gazebo. Texas Bicycle Coalition’s very own Chris Davis placed in her category and received a case of Girl Scout cookies for her efforts.

Before novice riders hit the starting line, TBC Local Outreach Coordinators Fernando Martinez and Joyce Cunningham presented a hands-on clinic, educating several young riders and spectators in helmet safety, helmet fitting, and bicycle part identification. As a clinic follow-up, Mechanic Martinez made brake adjustments for one young cyclist after he finished the treacherous terrain.