Mountain Bike race

By Staff Sgt. David Chapman, 5th MPADMarch 29, 2011

Mountain bike race
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Mountain bike race
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Mountain bike race
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Pat Dale, an Olympia fire fighter slices through the course during the Xtreme Mountain Bike Race, hosted by the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Morale Welfare Recreation, March 26. Dale finished the 40-kilometer race as the winner of the Sport class, beati... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Mountain bike race
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. Mike Osier navigates the course carefully during the Xtreme Mountain Bike Race, hosted by the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Morale Welfare Recreation, March 26. Osier was third overall in the sport class, but was forced out of the race when hi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The sounds of squeaky brakes and clatter of bicycle chains rang through the rain soaked woods on another chilly Washington morning. But this morning competitors came together to test their skills.

For Servicemembers and civilians at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, this morning was all about being challenged during the Xtreme Mountain Bike race, hosted by the JBLM Morale, Welfare and Recreation March 26.

Forty members of the local community, broken down into three categories, Recreational, Beginner and Sport, all were challenged during a 10 to 40 kilometer cross-country race over hills and muddy trails.

For some of the racers, this was their first time taking the opportunity to try mountain biking at all, let alone in a competitive fashion.

"I have only been mountain biking twice ever, we had a good time," said Ashley Shanklin, a military spouse racer. "I am just proud we made it and only got lapped by four people."

For those experienced mountain bikers this race proved to be fun and challenging for them as well.

"This course is fantastic, as good as any race I do over the year," said Pat Dale, a member of the Olympia Fire Department. "I did this race last year and they do a great job putting this on. It is a great course and the race is organized and staffed really well."

Despite the weather, the overall moods of the racers were positive and many look forward to another race next year.

"I would love to see more people come out next time. Maybe they could do another race over the summer. That would be great," said Dale. "If anyone even hears about this race, they need to come and give it a try."

At the end of the day, some of the racers considered the race an excellent opportunity to enjoy exercise.

"This is my first time in a race. I like to get out and try different things in extreme sports. I like to work different muscle groups and get the competitive juices flowing," said Lt. Col. Doug Levien, 593rd Special Troops Battalion and first time racer. "Everything that MWR does I support. It is a great opportunity for Soldiers to come out and stress some physical fitness and have fun at the same time,"

After all the mud had settled and the times were tallied the standings stood as such. Men's Recreational class, 1st Carl Morehouse, 2nd Jose Mendoza, 3rd Lafaye McCarver; Women's Recreational, 1st Audrey Gallardo, 2nd Mary Morehouse, 3rd Maria Walton. Men's Beginners 1st Daniel Ray, 2nd Brandon Baimbridge, 3rd Craig Miller; women's beginner, 1st Joan Campbell, 2nd Angela Zecca, 3rd Jody Phipps. Men's sport class 1st Pat Dale, 2nd Ian Mullins, 3rd Lawrence Elliot.

Related Links:

Joint Base Lewis-McChord MWR