Sunday, July 12, 1998 -- Fairmont
Bunner's Ridge Hardrock 40K

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Biker's battled many difficulties

There are no undefeated riders in West Virginia Mountain Bike Association Points Series races with the exception of Julie Friend-Schooley in the Women's Expert Veteran's class. Bunner's Ridge was a great race that produced new class winners and a never ending 'Who's in first now' action.

In the early race Jason Laxton out distanced the Men's Sport 3 lap event to take the win with a 2:04:59. Aron Yevuta came in 2nd at 2:10:51 followed closely by Armin Gooden 3rd at 2:11:24. John Marshall finished 4th at 2:12:25 and Randy Gibbs 5th with a 2:12:56. Series Men's Sport lead Drew Smithberger managed to come in 6th with a 2:14:39.

The Clydesdale Class produced a new winner this year with Shawn Kennedy besting the field for a 2 lap time of 1:40:38 followed by Series points leader Danny Hillery in 1:45:52. Jim Weaver came back from a hard endo at the 'Sand Trap' to finish 3rd in 2:03:12.

Matt Marcus on Dry Ground

Frank Congelio emerged as a new winner in the Masters Class with a 2 lap time of 1:52:40 to best Bill Lane's 2nd at 1:57:27. Mike Offutt placed 3rd at 2:00:16 and Donnie Price 4th at 2:08:09.

Women's Sport saw Mandi Williams top this 2 Lap class in 2:14:02 followed by Amy Atkins in 2:17:45 and Ashley Williams in 3rd. Sport Veteran (2 laps) Saw Shawn Patterson take the win in 1:53:26 followed by Mark Mayle 2nd in 1:56 and 3d Mark Schooley with a 1:57:24.

Men's Beginner was Kevin Leyh 1:36:25 followed by Morgan Wickline in 2nd at 1:41:31 and Brice Chambliss 3rd at 1:43:55. Men's Jr. Beginner was Charlie Brand for a 1 lap time of 55:31. 1st place in the Women's Beginner class went to Lisa Guard with a time of 1:25:10, followed by Beth Jones in at 1:32.

Gerry Pflug & Gunnar Shogren battle it out

Bunner's Ridge action continued at 12:30 with the start of the Pro/Expert classes. Another large, talented field started the feature race and again some new winners came out on top. In a 4 lap shoot out for the Men's Pro/Expert class Gunnar Shogren (2:45:08) had two flats which lead to a 3rd place finish after having a commanding three minute lead in the last mile over the winner, Gerry Pflug (2:42:34) and runner-up Pete Sedenov. The lead changed hands several times during the event with Ryan O'Conner staying in the fray for most of the event, but only bringing home a 4th place finish.

Melissa Showman wins for Women's Expert/Pro

Melissa Showman (2:11:21) stayed cool and consistant and passed Susan Haywood (2:12:05) in the last mile to capture the 3 lap Women's Pro/Expert title. Point series leader, Cassie Smith, brought home 3rd in 2:35:25.

Alan Moore (2:06:14) charged to the front of the Men's Veteran class 3 lap event for a win over Brocc Kaylor (2:07:24) and Bryan Sterns (2:12:38). Point series leader, finished 4th with 2:15:47. Jonathon Martin blasted the 3 lap Jr. Expert class in 2:08:17, followed by Drew Scharns (2:20:32) and Ryan Hobbs (2:21:09).

Pizza and cold drinks greeted all the grateful racers at the finish line followed by the awards.

A special thanks is extended to contributing photographer/journalist, Jack Downs!