Cyclists climb Schweitzer in Rails to Resort

SANDPOINT - More than 20 cyclists climbed Schweitzer on Saturday during the Rails to Resort climb, the second in what race organizers hope becomes an annual two-race series.

Bill McPherson, who's in his 60s, proved age is no hindrance to being in top-notch shape, taming the climb in a respectable 41:10, tops among the road riders.

"He ran all of the young guys into the dirt," said local Svein Nostdahl, who finished second more than three minutes behind.

Nostdahl said the second climb this year was sort of a trial run, and that next year there will be a race in June and one in September.

"To see how the fitness level increases," said Nostdahl, who like most repeat climbers, shaved minutes off his earlier time. "In June, nobody has ridden much."

Local Greg Smith, who won the road race back in June, won the mountain bike dirt climb portion of the race in just over one hour, followed eight minutes later by Charles Mortensen. Julie Nye was the top female finisher with a time of 56:09.

ROAD FINISHERS

1, Bill McPherson, 41:10. 2, Svein Nostdahl, 44:15. 3, Justin Henney, 49:50. 4, Don Hicks, 50:22. 5, Jim Doudna, 52:28. 6, Brad Williams, 53:42. 7, Julie Nye, 56:09. 8, Barbara Hume, 58:57. 9, Rob Harrison, 1:00.36. 10, Steve Kirby, 1:01.10. 11, Paul Vogel, 1:02.21. 12, Tom Heaviland, 1:03.38. 13, Gina Pucci, 1:05.7.

DIRT FINISHERS

1, Greg Smith, 1:01.53. 2, Charles Mortensen, 1:09.56. 3, Dennis Smaguss, 1:15.59. 4, Rob Frechette, 1:18.54. 5, Jim Marley, 1:39.18.

MT BIKE ON ROAD

1, Jamie Emmer, 54:36. 2, Bruce Trejos, 1:01.09.