Pedal to the metal: New biker takes a ride on the Pony Express
Bikers of every experience level participated in the Pony Express Century, including this great couple on a tandem bicycle. Ph: Marni Kleinman/Utah Adventurer
Bikers line up for the 4th annual Pony Express Century Bike Ride as part of Eagle Mountain's Pony Express Days on May 25, 2013. Ph: Marni Kleinman/Utah Adventurer
Marni Kleinman preps for her first bike race - the Pony Express Century. Ph: Marni Kleinman/Utah Adventurer
Numbered placard in place, Marni Kleinman is ready for embark on her first official bike race. The canned goods were part of the cost of admission, raising goods for the Utah Food Bank. Ph: Marni Kleinman/Utah Adventurer
Bikers line up for the 4th annual Pony Express Century Bike Ride as part of Eagle Mountain's Pony Express Days on May 25, 2013. Ph: Marni Kleinman/Utah Adventurer
I started running at age 15 and have always classified myself as “a runner.” You know, the non-biker type.
Well my husband bought me a bike for my birthday, and I thought in order to please him I should take it out a few times.
A few times, however, turned into a few more, and I secretly started to like it! I did not tell any of my runner friends of my newfound hobby, but found myself wanting to bike every morning.
Inevitably, the day came when I wanted to do a race, but I didn’t know anything about biking or racing. Scared to do anything hard and still not feeling like a biker or like I had any cycling experience, I decided to try the Pony Express Century last weekend as part of Eagle Mountain’s Pony Express Days.
It was a perfect race for a novice like me, or even an experienced cyclist, as it featured races from 30, 60 to 100 miles and even more.
Sponsored by Epic Biking (www.epicbiking.com) and Bank of American Fork, the more than 225 racers were only allowed to pick up their numbers and start if they came with donations for the Utah Food Bank, which ended up totaling hundreds of pounds of food donated to the charity.
Race director Mike Downey was not only helpful when showing me how to properly wear my helmet but was constantly walking about, talking to racers and answering questions.
“This is the biggest it’s been yet and it just keeps getting bigger every year,” Downey said.
“It was quite a bit bigger,” said Daniel Burton of Epic Biking, as he noted the race was in its fourth year.
With perfect weather, a well-planned moderate course, and a large barbecue at the end of the race, there was no question why this year’s race was so large.
It was a perfect race for me and one that I plan on doing next year; but the hundred miler next time!
SIDEBAR
Pick your race
Whether a novice or a pro, there is a bike race somewhere in the state just for you. Here are just a few options. For an even larger list, log on to www.cyclingutah.com and search for biking events.
Tour de Cure, for American Diabetes Association
When: June 8
Where: Rees Pioneer Park in Brigham City
Info: (801) 363-3024 ext. 7071, www.tour.diabetes.org
Tour de Habitat, for Habitat for Humanity
When: June 8
Where: Lakeside Park, 400 S. 1850 West, Orem
Info: www.tourdehabitat.com
Huntsman 140, for the Huntsman Cancer Institute
When: June 15
Where: Various route starting points. Full 140 begins in Delta and ends at the doors of the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City. Other routes begin at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Info: (801) 584-5808, www.huntsmancancer.org, Lori Kun at lkun@huntsmanfoundation.org
Bear Lake Monster Century Ride
When: June 22
Where: Bear Lake County Fairgrounds, Montpelier, Idaho
Info: www.bearlakemonsterride.com
Timpanogos Gran Fondo
When: June 29
Where: Timpanogos High School, 1450 N. 200 East, Orem
Info: www.timpgranfondo.com
Harmons Best Dam Bike Ride, for National MS Society
When: June 29-30
Where: Cache Valley Fairgrounds, Logan
Info: (801) 424-0113 (option 2), Becky Lyttle at becky.lyttle@nmss.org
Saints to Sinners Bike Relay
When: July 26-27
Where: Salt Lake City to Las Vegas
Info: www.saintstosinners.com
29th Annual ULCER Bike Ride
When: Aug. 3
Where: Thanksgiving Point Electric Park, Lehi
Info: (801) 641-4020, www.rideulcer.com
WOMEN-ONLY RIDES
Wildflower Pedalfest
When: Aug. 17
Where: Mountain Green
Info: www.wildflowerpedalfest.com
Swiss Miss Century
When: July 13
Where: 700 Homestead Drive, Midway
Info: (435) 654-1102, www.swissmisscentury.com
Wonder Woman Century
When: Sept. 14
Where: Memorial Park, 200 S. 100 East, Payson
Info: www.wonderwomanride.com