Miguel of Bonaire Wellness Connexions held a mountain bike race on the afternoon of July 29. Visiting freelance writer and photographer from San Diego, David Swanson, (no relation) hiked around part of the punishing course and took some action photos.
The race course plummets downhill from the start line. (four riders crashed on this hill during the first lap of last month's test race!) It then traverses on an extremely rough and bumpy donkey trail which beats up one's whole body. Finally it climbs back up some very steep pitches to the start/finish line. Take this yo-yo course profile, add in a hot Bonaire summer afternoon, and you end up with quite a workout. The yellow graph shows miles and feet. The blue one is in kilometers and meters. They show four laps of the course.
I was very happy to see about 12 kids riding in the one and two lap kids categories. In addition to the kid's race, there was a two lap class for adults, as well as a four lap one for those with more brawn than brains. I completed it in just under an hour, which is what I was shooting for. The fastest riders in last month's test race were just under an hour as well. This time, they didn't have to stop and fix a flat tire and Sam Williams of the Parrotwatch group finished in just under 50 minutes!By the way, the winner of the one lap kids race was Siegal Francees, son of Steve Francees, who now lives on Aruba but grew up in North Salina.
The next race is scheduled for December 2. BWC is also hosting supported Mtn. Bike Tours on the afternoons of August 18 and October 6. I addition, there are mountain bike group rides leaving the Bonaire Wellness Center every Tuesday and Saturday at 5pm. Be sure to stop by BWC at Eden Beach Resort if you are on Bonaire and want connect with enthusiastic mtn. bikers of all ages.
You can rent Fuji bikes right at BWC. I also know of people who have been pleased with the Trek bikes they've rented from Andre at Cycle Bonaire, and the Giant bikes they've gotten from Frank at De Freewieler.
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