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The Bloody Rose Mountain Bike Climb to Relay Peak
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After two years of hosting hugely successful events that raised awareness about and funds to support outdoor recreation, Galena Fest, Inc. will collaborate with Great Basin Institute to host Galena Fest 2012 in September, 2012. The collaboration serves two purposes: It allows Galena Fest, Inc. to expand its reach and its event platform and channels proceeds through Great Basin Institute for use at Galena Creek Regional Park and the Visitor’s Center.
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Galena Fest 2012 will feature many of the components of the past events, including The Bloody Rose mountain bike climb, The Thorn 10K trail run/walk, Kids Art Park, The The Big Fish Contest and festival. Additional activities are in the planning stage and might include a new, circular route for the 5K run/walk, an environmental and green technology forum, technology and resource demonstrations, more food and beverage vendors, and a native/natural materials focused art show.
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While Galena Fest will be on hold this year, the Bloody Rose mountain bike climb returns for its third consecutive year on Saturday, September 17. Managed by Kevin Joell of the Reno Wheelmen, this year’s race promises to be as challenging as ever. Local business owners and riders Mike Rounds of Watson and Rounds, and David Joseph of Jetlites are returning as race sponsors. Watch for more details on sponsorship opportunities and race information in the next edition of the Galena Times or visit www.RenoTahoeBloodyRose.com or www.Renowheelmen.org.
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The Bloody Rose, sponsored by Watson Rounds LLC and JetLites, provides mountain bikers with one the hardest challenges in the western United States. 12.2 miles in length at an average of 6.5 percent gradient, the course throws in several sections steeper than 15 percent, mixing in single track, fire roads, and sections of pavement.
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The first true test for riders is a 15 percent grade aptly named “Wall of Death”, knobby tires fighting for traction on the sandy surface. Continuing up the mountain, survivors will pass over the highest year-round road in the Sierras, get a brief downhill respite, then commence a death march up NFD 051.
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The next four miles are as much about survival as they are about speed. Riders will be cursing the small downhill when they make the final hairpin for the last quarter mile climb. When “Funeral Hill” ramps up to 16 percent, riders have to dodge softball-sized rocks and sear their lungs at almost two miles above sea level. Many will be getting off to walk. Those that make it up almost 4,000 feet to the 10,128 ft summit will be treated to amazing views of Lake Tahoe and Washoe Valley and a special finisher’s T-shirt.
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