22 bikers take part in Crazy 8

“The toughest exercise I’ve ever done,” competitor Mamiko Oshima said upon completing her first mountain bike race.

The Northern Marianas Islands Triathlon Federation organized the first Crazy 8 mountain bike this past Saturday. The off-road race offered three different courses for competitors to choose from, a short course, a pro course, and an expert course. In all, 22 bikers of all levels raced against the course and fellow competitors.

Race director Russ Quinn explained how he came up with the idea. “The Crazy 8 came about as I was looking at a map of Saipan and connected a few trails that we ride on a regular basis. When I drew it up on the map, it was in the shape of an ‘8,’ and people who don’t ride much call us ‘crazy’ for doing some of the rides we do…hence crazy 8.”

Well, there were lots of Crazy’s out there on Saturday, and it looked like they were having a great time. Top rider Eli Torgeson easily won the expert course. He set a course record in 1:14:20. Closely behind Torgeson was longtime endurance athlete Tyce Mister, who crossed the finish line in 1:19:18.

The pro course comprised of the most competitors. Thirteen riders battled it out on the rugged course. Top finisher Cesar Fortalaza was the first competitor to cross the finish line with a time of 1:09:31. Closely on his heels in second place was Ronald Villafria clocking in with a 1:10:50.

The short course provided a challenge to the beginners of mountain biking. Fred Camacho was top dog in this division posting a 1:10:13 time, while first-timer Mamiko Oshima finished in second place with a 1:19:10.

Saturday’s conditions were perfect, the course was dry and fast. One competitor. Sal Schwarts, talked about his race, “That race was terrific! I tell you, I left my heart on that course. As I was flying down the back side of Tapochau, I almost lost my dentures, but I bit down and they stayed in, I was real happy about that!”

Mountain biking on Saipan has gained popularity recently, and the local triathlon club is trying to create events that will provide challenges and mini goals for people to shoot for. The next mountain bike race will be on May 31 sponsored by the Hyatt Regency Saipan and the Marianas Visitors Authority as part of Tourism Month. [B][I](NMITF)[/I][/B]