http://www.RenoGalenaFest.com

Opening its inaugural mountain bike competitions, fishing contest and festival event by welcoming more than 500 riders and participants, Galena Fest 2009 established itself as Reno’s newest outdoor adventure and sport venue while raising more than $5000 to benefit Galena Creek Regional Park in Reno, NV.

With an initial entry field of roughly 50 riders, The Bloody Rose mountain bike climb to Relay Peak Summit garnered an additional 40 competitors on race day morning, all who were willing enough – or silly enough – to race over a course of 11.2 miles and 4700’ elevation climb to claim the bragging rights of first-ever, Bloody Rose overall winner. That award went to Kyle Dixon, the men’s winner, who finished in just 1:20:00, and Lynn Henderson, the women’s winner, who crossed the finish line at the Summit in 2:13:00.

Most competitors chose to descend along Mt. Rose Highway after crossing the finish line. The Bloody Rose challenged riders aged 15 to 50+, men and women, a tandem pair, an elite group of hardened riders and those simply reveling in the limelight; all enjoyed being part of the first of its kind mountain bike climb to be hosted in Reno.

The Thorn, a slightly simpler climb to the back Wall of Sky Tavern, followed The Bloody Rose course for the initial 5.7 miles along the base of Mt. Rose and along Slide Mountain. Those 15 finishers were greeted with unparalleled views of the Summits and plenty of cold water, aid and support.

More than 40 kids ages 4-13 competed in Park-side races including loops which took them over Galena Creek and through Bitterbrush Trail. When told about next year’s plans to add more single track for the ages 8-10 and 11-13 categories, riders confirmed their excitement for the 2010 races.

The Big Fish Contest, hosted at Marilyn’s Pond on the south side of the Park, put more than 70 fisher-people ages 4-11 after the 700 stocked and an additional 100 lbs of rainbow trout brought into the Pond for the Contest. To date, the 10 pounder, stocked by Galena Fest, has not been caught!

In seeking its goal to raise money to support the Park, Galena Fest 2009 donated 2 new bear box receptacles to the Park through corporate support and will donate approximately $3000 to keep the Park open, safe and clean and to ultimately re-establish outdoor programs at the Park.

Save the date for the 2nd Annual Galena Fest: Sunday, September 26, 2010.

With 17 wins, two time trial course records and the Tour of the Gila
under his belt this year, he hopes to claim the Mt. Rose season pass at
the top of Relay Peak.

“I know it’s not going to be easy” said Bickel. “It’s been a couple of
years since I got on the mountain bike, and probably 5 since I’ve
raced one. Reno’s got a huge number of talented riders, and I haven’t
adjusted to the altitude yet.”

Chances of winning?

“It depends, mostly on who shows up. Kyle Dixon is a current National
Champion and was really looking strong when we rode together a few
days ago. There are other guys who are part mountain goat too. And I’m
an old guy. I’ll be pretty happy if I can get a Silver Peak down after
the race and don’t have to take oxygen.”

When asked what the key is to a good finish, Bickel recalled his
winning effort at the National MTB Championships several years ago.

“Pacing. Patience. You get all excited and want to drill it right
away. Do that and 10 minutes later you end up sucking air through a
straw or on the side of the trail losing your breakfast. The air just
gets thinner and the trail steeper as you close in on the top. You
gotta keep some gas in the tank”

Post race plans?

“Enjoy the festival, try to talk one of the kids out of a big trout
for dinner that night, then head back to Texas for our road race
championship.”

Register for the Bloody Rose today!