The Blitz

blitz bend

written and photographed by Rob Kerr


The invitation only professional mountain bike event founded by Erik Eastland went off Thursday, June 16 in Bend with its classic cowboy rules. Forty riders mounted their bikes hellbent for a purse of thousands of dollars (and beer!).
It was an 18-mile singletrack race that ended at Tetherow Golf Course with a giant jump and mandatory chugging of a beer. Course directors warned the racers that they could encounter walkers, logging trucks or cougars.
In a rare Central Oregon soaking squall, casualties included one shoulder injury and worse, many damaged carbon fiber race bikes.
After the foam was cleaned up and the rainstorm subsided, Todd Wells, 40, of Durango, California and his brother,Troy secured the top two steps of the event in the men’s category. Kelli Emmet, 39, of Colorado Springs, Colorado won the women’s category.

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