Pickett's Charge MTB Race

Bend, OR. - Collins was represented well again with some impressive race performances at the classic Pickett's Charge mountain bike race. Andrew Bennett and Miriam Gillow-Wiles both made appearances on the podium - a reward for their hard efforts.

Not only did the 15 year old Andrew finish in 1st place at Pickett's, he won the Series Overall (!) in his category (Jr. under 18). Wow, that is quite the accomplishment and surely only one of many successes to come. (If you haven't met Andrew, he is a great kid with a good head on his shoulders. It has been fun to see his development in the short time that he has been bike racing. Andrew has the attitude to keep it fun, while still making his competitor's legs hurt!)

Miriam finished 2nd Overall Sport Woman in the series and her trophy serves as an exclamation point to a fantastic rise through the ranks in her first year racing off road. She finished in 5th place at Pickett's too, timing her efforts and coming around Anna Saltonstall just before the finish line. Great job and smart tactics!

Chris Brandt raced faster than ever on the course most suited to his strengths. Unfortunately, as has been the case for the past SIX YEARS (!), his performance was hampered by bad mechanical luck. He got a great start in the Pro race and was sitting in 4th place heading into the first singletrack section. A strong group emerged shortly thereafter and got a good gap off the front, chasing the ever-so-strong Carl Decker. Unfortunately, Chris suffered his first of THREE (!) flat tires and had to fall back for a quick repair. When his second flat front tire forced him to collide with a pine tree, a more lengthy repair was necessary. After making a serious comeback effort catching back up to nearly all that had passed, he was struck the final frustrating blow with a cut rear tire. A spare tube bummed from a spectator got him back to the finish line in one piece and 10th overall. (6th pro - of course, there were only 6 pros!)

Jeff Bennett achieved a 7th place in the beginner category. Carl Gurney pulled off a decent ride in the Expert field riding his singlespeed bike to an impressive 9th place. Mike Adams toughed out a rough race with a blown rear shock, but with plenty of air in his tires. He finished in a respectable 14th place on a hot, dusty day for racing.