This past week, I joined a group of more than 500 mountain bikers united for the cause of keeping Annadel State Park alive. The turnout for Bike Monkey’s 3rd Annual Annadel XC Fund-Raiser Race was strong amidst the recent discovery of $54,000,000 in unaccounted state park funds by California state officials. With Annadel being placed on the State Park closure list months ago, community support has rapidly risen to never seen heights before. Organized community groups have raised thousands of dollars and donated thousands of hours repairing and caring for their local State Parks.
I was glad to see that the monkeying around by state legislators did not dampen the turnout to the race in support of Annadel. Hundreds of bikers showed up to put their political differences aside and do what they love! I opted for the short course that seemed to have been lengthened at the last minute to alleviate congestion that the mass start would cause once the city streets turned to dirt.
The course started in downtown Santa Rosa near Bike Monkey’s headquarters. It entered Howarth Park, climbed some fire roads and made its way to Cobblestone trail, where I found myself stuck in traffic due to riders having to dismount to walk over the more technical areas. By the time the race made it to the first big climb of the day, the racers had spread out far enough to allow me to ride at my own pace. My Garmin logged nearly 25 miles in a time of 2 hours and 38 minutes. If I do it again next year, I’ll start closer to the middle of the pack so the less experienced riders don’t slow me down in the first sections of singletrack.
Check out Clint Claassen’s account of his day riding in the race. He took first place in the pro men’s category. The lead pack was doing 29mph on Sonoma Ave. as they headed towards Howarth Park!
Above: The Lagunitas kegs were ready to be tapped on packet pick up day. Thanks for the support Lagunitas!! Refreshments at the after party were tasty!
Below: A quick picture before the race at my drop off point in Downtown Santa Rosa.
Above: Riders stage themselves at the start in downtown Santa Rosa. I’m barely visible in the far right back of the photo (easier to see on the high-res version).
Below: My Oscar Blues jersey felt appropriate for race day.
Above: Rounding a turn early in the race just after leaving Howarth Park.
Below: A race spectator off in the distance.
Above: Crossing the finish line with an official time of 2:38:55
Below: The short course in Google Earth view and an elevation map below that.
