Chris ReynoldsOver the Hump Part II
The second-to-last Over The Hump (OTH) this past Tuesday was a standout. With the finish of the race back-lit by a sky seemingly on fire, the participants challenged themselves on the technical course. This week, The Path Bike Shop was the featured shop and it was clear that the employees and partners were excited to be there. We spoke with shop employee Greg, who was volunteering at the event and were reminded of the significance of the OTH series in developing the community of cyclists in Southern California.
As participants swept through the course and came around a stand of trees, Greg was there leading them, flag in left hand to direct them up the nasty kicker that awaited them and cow bell in the right to encourage them. Typical right? What was not so typical was Greg running up the hill encouraging riders to do their best. Not one rider. All the riders. For the entire event.
As we stood in the setting sun, one of the race directors came by to let him know the last rider was 4 minutes out. We parted ways, and as I was making my way back to the race start, I looked back to see Greg on his single-speed, running the hill himself so he’d be at the top to give the lone participant the full-Greg-encouragement-experience. This attitude permeates the event as the participants, organizers and volunteers of this event celebrate the passion and spirit of the MTB community and welcome new riders with open arms.
Michael Marckx
Cody Lewis
Chris Reynolds
Victor Prestinary
williestewart
John Woodson
Kelley O'Toole
Andrew Danly
