La Grind as a whole saw an increase in ridership, according to organizer Amy Hayden.
This year’s total of 230 riders was around 20 above the total from last year, and organizer Amy Hayden says that’s a big accomplishment.
Once again, proceeds from La Grind will go to support the Handlebars of Hope mission which provides bikes to underprivileged individuals both locally and in Mexico. Longtime La Grind organizer Matt Brown recently announced he and his family will be moving to Texas to be closer to those served by the mission.
Hayden says it is very important to her to continue supporting Handlebars as it is a mission close to her family and one she believes in wholeheartedly.
One rider was hurt during Sunday’s activities. Olpe Fire Chief Wade Schmidt says Greenwood County Emergency Dispatch requested a response from Lyon County EMS after one bike crashed near 380th and X Road in northern Greenwood County before 10 am Sunday. The rider, currently unnamed, crashed while navigating rough terrain near a low-water crossing.
Schmidt says the cyclist had potentially serious injuries and was taken to Newman Regional Health for treatment.
Last week’s heavy rainfall caused a detour, adding three miles to the route for riders in the 100-mile race.
Day one results are available below:
100 Mile Panaracer Dash Champions
1st Place – Reid Foster
2nd Place – Chris Mehlman
3rd Place – David Collins
50-Mile Endurance Champions
(Men)
1st Place – Lucas Borkowski
2nd Place – Jerry Oviedo
3rd Place – Alfredo Navarro
(Women)
1st Place -Amy Borkowski
2nd Place – Michelle Duffy
3rd Place – Kimberly Turner
Photos by Debi Fuller/KVOE
