LOS OLIVOS >> Six mountain bike riders representing Lake County were among the 785 riders competing in the California State Mountain Bike Championships on May 17 in Los Olivos.
The Dirt Club, a private mountain bike facility in the Santa Ynez Valley, not far from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, hosted the competition. The 6-mile-long course features a nearly 800-foot climb each lap. Riders complete two to four laps (12-24 miles) depending on their division. With a huge climb near the start of each lap, the remainder of the course was fairly smooth through rolling hills and with lots of switchbacks.
Clear Lake High School junior Mark Jeffrey Morton came into the race ranked third in the state in JV Division 2’s NorCal North Conference and finished in sixth place.
“It was a fun but challenging race,” Morton said. “It had the most and steepest climbing of any of the other races. Another reason it was difficult … many more riders. I was happy to be able to squeeze out a sixth place.”
Morton’s division had the most riders — 94. Among the other JV competitors, Jadon Lindsey of Kelseyville High School placed 22nd, Gabe Wind of Clear Lake High School took 40th, and Craig Andre of Kelseyville High School finished 73rd after experiencing mechanical problems on the course.
“In his final lap, Craig’s rear brake lever broke,” coach Tami Cramer said. “Since braking is shared between the front and rear brakes when riding, when it broke it all went to the front. This resulted in Craig wiping out in a turn. Once back on the bike, he rode considerably slower since he only had the front brake, but (he) finished.”
When asked to compare his freshman year versus senior year, Andre said, “Freshman year I was determined to just get through the year. I didn’t expect to and was hesitant at every obstacle. This year I not only try to get through, but I lost most of the fear and hesitation I experienced. I’ve gained confidence in my abilities, not to mention new strength and skill.”
Also competing from Lake County were Clear Lake High School sophomore Solano Dominguez and Kelseyville High School sophomore Kia Kohler. Dominguez finished 10th out of 57 riders. Kohler finished 23rd out of 39 competitors.
“We had a great season,” coach Jeff Kramer said. “States mark the official end to the season, but most of the riders will continue throughout the year. All Kelseyville and Clear Lake high school students reading this … go ride your bike and we hope to see you on our interest rides in the fall.”
Sponsoring Lake County’s mountain bike riders during the season were Main Street Bicycles, City Fitness, Wasson Memorial Hospital, Conser Land Surveying, Maherajah Water Skis and Longboards, Mountain High Coffee and Books, Disney’s Boat Rentals and Edward Jones Investing. The Cardinal Foundation and Kelseyville High School Boosters also supported the team.
For more information, go to facebook at Lake County High School Mountain Bike Teams or you can reach coaches Tami and Jeff Cramer at 263-3344 or by email at ride@bicyclesonmain.com
