<\/p>\n
Cyclists in the inaugural Ride the Ancients century ride Sunday enjoyed perfect weather with views of Canyons of the Ancients and Hovenweep National Monuments.<\/p>\n
Forty-eight riders participated, said race organizer Ashley Carelock, and just as many volunteers showed up.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe enthusiastic riders, volunteers and generous sponsors were key to the success of this first year so a big thank you goes out to them,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ben Shane, of Dolores, beat out a field of 33 individual riders, finishing with a time of 4 hours, 37 minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a nice ride. I felt great, the scenery was great too,\u201d he said. \u201cA mountain lion jumped over the road in front of me after the turnoff to Hovenweep, so that was quite unexpected.\u201d<\/p>\n
Taking the win was likely expected for the former competitive racer, who pulled away from a group of three lead riders near the 60-mile marker.<\/p>\n
The race followed McElmo Canyon to Hovenweep National Monument, then along Roads 10 and BB to U.S. 491 and on to Cortez.<\/p>\n
A group of local jocks formed a fast-paced peloton from Cortez to McElmo Canyon, where it began to break up.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all drafted really well, my trick is to not stop at the aid stations,\u201d said Shane, 31. \u201cNow I\u2019m a teacher at Cortez Middle school, but I still have competitive spirit from my recent racing days.\u201d<\/p>\n
Andrew Walls came in 2nd (4:49), and was followed by Eli Tomac (4:50) and Mike Daniel (4:54). The first place woman rider was Lauren Wolford (6:55).<\/p>\n
Local bike shop owners had solid times. Pete Eschallier, of Kokopellis in Cortez, came in 5th (4:55) and Nicholas Jones of Lizard Head Cyclery of Dolores came in 7th (5:15).<\/p>\n
Four teams raced against each other, with each team rider taking a section of the route.<\/p>\n
Team \u201cDay off Saxo\u201d made up of Kevin Cook, Dean Kottman and Jim Mimiaga took first place with a time of 6 hrs 16 minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was incredibly good fun,\u201d Cook said. \u201cOut of the teams we managed the best time, but we\u2019re all wimpy compared to those that rode the whole thing!\u201d<\/p>\n
Team \u201cWallflowers\u201d took second place (6:23) and included Karen Ordeman, Peggy Young, Julie Vaneventer and Sandy Wolf.<\/p>\n
Locals mingled at a post race taco and beer party at Parque de Vida.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always wanted to ride that stretch but it was always a question of running out of water,\u201d said local rider Steve Heath (5:45). \u201cWith all the aid stations along the route, this was the perfect opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Proceeds from the Ride the Ancients fundraiser go toward the Montelores Cancer Care fund and Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance.<\/p>\n