Waiting in front of the gate of the fairgrounds the morning of the Wildflower, I was asked by an attractive reporter, "Why do you like to ride?" I did not know what to say. There are so many reasons I did not know where to start. So from the hip, I came up with something about riding with a group. After thinking about it over the last 36 hours, I think I have found a much better answer.

Riding means freedom. That's why I love it, when I ride I am free.

The joys of riding found me at 7 years of age. Thirty two years have passed with me riding in all of them. The two wheeled loves of my life have been as plentiful as the entangling constraints they break me free from. The were both simple at first. I would ride my steel single speed with a coaster break to free my spirit from the boundaries of my yard and the ever watching eyes of my Mother. Now it takes special materials like carbon, scandium, titanium and magnesium working together in precision to flee things not as simple as a yard.

The things I ride to escape now are found in my head. It is only on the bike that the stresses of a busy life are subdued and I again become free. That's why I like to ride.

One of the focuses of our club is to bring racing back to Chico. Our goal for this year is a Downtown Criterium with fun family activities around the event. So, far the plans are going great. We have a lot of support from the community.

This being our first race, we want it to be a great success and if the passion our board has for this race is an indicator, I have no doubt that it will be. So far we have submitted our dream course, with the Start/Finish line in front of the new Downtown Plaza.

One of the factors that will enhance our races success is that another race promoter has agreed to host a road race in the area. This will give out of towners the opportunity to race two races in the same area in one weekend. That will help the numbers.

As the plans progress, I will keep you posted.

Your legs should be ready by now for the Honey Run Time Trial. The course starts at the bridge and ends at the muffler shop.

The time to beat was set by Jim Roberts of Magalia 23:36.

Registration opens at 8:15 and the first rider rolls off at 9:01.
The registration table will be at the covered bridge.

Come Join us at Mt. Mikes Pizza at 5th and Nord.
We will chat about upcoming races & century rides. And like always it is always a great social gathering.

A few locals made it down to the Sea Otter Classic. I wish I could have been there to cheer them on if not race. I read some great stories on our Yahoo group.

Here are the top ten finishes of Chico Corsa and other locals:

Circuit Race:
CAT 4 30+
2nd Place> James Plummer- Chico Corsa
5th Place> Mike Ricks- Chico Corsa

CAT 5 30+
2nd place> Dave Kyle- Chico Corsa

Road Race:
CAT 4 30+
6th Place> James Plummer- Chico Corsa

Woman CAT 3
2nd Place> Janeen Thorpe- Touchstone Climbing

Mountain Bike:
XC Semi Pro
5th Place> Rich Thurman- EMC2/Team Chico

XC Sport
4th Place> Paul Begbie- Chico Corsa