Cyclists in the inaugural Ride the Ancients century ride Sunday enjoyed perfect weather with views of Canyons of the Ancients and Hovenweep National Monuments.
Forty-eight riders participated, said race organizer Ashley Carelock, and just as many volunteers showed up.
“The enthusiastic riders, volunteers and generous sponsors were key to the success of this first year so a big thank you goes out to them,” she said.
Ben Shane, of Dolores, beat out a field of 33 individual riders, finishing with a time of 4 hours, 37 minutes.
“It was a nice ride. I felt great, the scenery was great too,” he said. “A mountain lion jumped over the road in front of me after the turnoff to Hovenweep, so that was quite unexpected.”
Taking the win was likely expected for the former competitive racer, who pulled away from a group of three lead riders near the 60-mile marker.
The race followed McElmo Canyon to Hovenweep National Monument, then along Roads 10 and BB to U.S. 491 and on to Cortez.
A group of local jocks formed a fast-paced peloton from Cortez to McElmo Canyon, where it began to break up.
“We all drafted really well, my trick is to not stop at the aid stations,” said Shane, 31. “Now I’m a teacher at Cortez Middle school, but I still have competitive spirit from my recent racing days.”
Andrew Walls came in 2nd (4:49), and was followed by Eli Tomac (4:50) and Mike Daniel (4:54). The first place woman rider was Lauren Wolford (6:55).
Local bike shop owners had solid times. Pete Eschallier, of Kokopellis in Cortez, came in 5th (4:55) and Nicholas Jones of Lizard Head Cyclery of Dolores came in 7th (5:15).
Four teams raced against each other, with each team rider taking a section of the route.
Team “Day off Saxo” made up of Kevin Cook, Dean Kottman and Jim Mimiaga took first place with a time of 6 hrs 16 minutes.
“It was incredibly good fun,” Cook said. “Out of the teams we managed the best time, but we’re all wimpy compared to those that rode the whole thing!”
Team “Wallflowers” took second place (6:23) and included Karen Ordeman, Peggy Young, Julie Vaneventer and Sandy Wolf.
Locals mingled at a post race taco and beer party at Parque de Vida.
“I’ve always wanted to ride that stretch but it was always a question of running out of water,” said local rider Steve Heath (5:45). “With all the aid stations along the route, this was the perfect opportunity.”
Proceeds from the Ride the Ancients fundraiser go toward the Montelores Cancer Care fund and Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com