Almost 90 cyclists sign up for first-time event at Alameda Park
BUTLER TWP — The wheels were spinning at a dizzying speed Saturday, Sept. 7, on the bike trail at Alameda Park for the first Alameda 369 MTB Endurance Race.
Robin Brewer, race coordinator, said 88 cyclists registered for the event, which was based at the park’s Carousel Shelter from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cyclists chose between a 9-hour, 6-hour and 3-hour race at the event.
Many of those who shot over the starting line at 9 a.m. for the 9-hour event raced in teams.
Jay Miller, of Sewickley, rode the 9-hour race with his son, Duncan, and a family friend.
He said the 9-hour race was his first, although he participates in 10 or 12 mountain biking races each year.
“I thought it would be more fun to do with my son and friend,” Miller said of his decision to register for the longest race.
He called the Alameda Park bike trail “fabulous and well thought-out,” and he said he appreciated the format of the first-time Alameda 369.
“I think it will get more and more popular in the future,” Miller said.
Just before taking his place at the starting line, Miller said he looked forward to the higher speeds he predicted would be reached in the race.
“High speeds make for thrilling situations,” he said.
Britiney Rodeheaver, of Bruceton Mills, W.V., has traveled north to Alameda Park before to ride the bike trail.
“I love Alameda,” Rodeheaver said before the race as she ate a small packet of energy gel. “The climbs are challenging, but the downs are great.”
Rodeheaver’s team consisted of four riders for the 9-hour race. She was scheduled to ride three different times for her team, making a total of about 3 hours of traversing the grueling trail.
“I do it for the stress relief and endorphins,” she said of her strenuous hobby. “There’s nothing like getting on a bike and riding.”
Cheryl Palermo, of Butler Township, continues to pursue mountain biking, although she is approaching her mid-60s.
“I ride in Alameda Park, North Park and other places two or three days per week,” she said.
Palermo really appreciates the results of the county’s 2014 Comprehensive Recreation, Parks & Open Space Plan, which included the addition of a mountain bike trail at Alameda Park.
Having the trail in the park means she no longer has to drive to North Park in Allegheny County to pursue her passion.
“We are very, very happy to have this here,” she said as she prepared to participate in the 9-hour race with her four-person team. “It’s brought so many people into Butler.”
John McLaughlin, who assisted Brewer in organizing the race, called the Alameda bike trail one of the best in the tri-state area.
He hopes all the people experiencing the trail for the first time on Saturday will return to enjoy it again, and bring their wallets.
“It brings people from out of town to experience the community,” McLaughlin said. “Everyone leaves a little money here, whether they buy gas, groceries or food.”
While he could not participate in the Alameda 369 because he helped operate the event, he does race in various offerings in the region.
“It’s the friendships, health benefits and nature,” McLaughlin said of his penchant for pedaling.
Brewer said she participates in about a dozen races each year, and prefers relay events.
She had one wish for all 88 cyclists who came to the Alameda 369 on Saturday.
“I hope they have a fun day,” she said.
Brewer said the Month of Mud is the next series of mountain bike races in the area. More information on those races is available at monthofmud.com.
