Check out this article on last years success in the Rathdrum Star! By Tom Burnett - Rathdrum Star

Cocolalla’s Don Hicks, a 48-year-old Sandpoint school bus driver, turned in a 2-hour, 41-minute, and 25-second time to capture first place in last Saturday’s First Annual Rathdrum Great Adventure Race. Overall, 41 individuals and 11 teams answered the starting gun. All but three individuals finished – all three due to mechanical problems with their bicycles.

“We are so very pleased, first with the turnout and second with the way the overall race played out,” said key organizer Jeff Smith. “All I heard all day long was how well the race was put together. Hey, this was our very first effort. We kinda expected a few glitches – but nothing. It was terrific.”

“Without exception, every racer I spoke with – which, I think, was everybody – said they’d be back next year. Make sure to send an application they all said. Following Hicks across the finish line was Coeur d’Alene’s Brian Tevis, who said after the race, he “thought about compet¬ing only a couple of days ago,” scoped out the bike portion “and decided to give it a go.” His time – a respectable 2:49:31. Third place went to Rathdrum’s Mike Bailey.

Other local finishers include Toby Kaplan, Rathdrum, 3:23:00; David Adland, Athol, 3:23:34; Scott Gookstetter, Rathdrum, 3:38:57, and Wyatt Wilson, Hauser, 3:51:38.

Brenda Christianson of Athol was the winner in the female di¬vision with a time of 3:28:42. Jeri McNeal of Spokane, was second with a clock of 3:31:10; Karin Gerard, Spokane Valley, 3:39:42; Poppy Wilson, Hauser, 3:56:47, and Drashell Schmidt, Liberty Lake, Wash., 3:56:47.

Mayor Vic Holmes started the race with a blast from the starter’s pistol that triggered the competitors to scurry for their waiting bicycles – LeMans style. Within seconds, all but one was on the road, racing to Highway 53 and west to Hidden Valley Road, up the steep roadway and onto a selected – and somewhat groomed – logging road.

The one athlete left at the start quickly joined the throng – potty break finished! Of the race overall, men’s winner Hicks reported, “it was a great race – and right here! I’m used to traveling some distance for a race. “I was a little nervous about the final run.

The gravel made for some interesting moments. Overall, a great race – well organized!” Festive prepartions at City Park included music and an array of vendor booths, hamburgers, hot dogs, cold drinks and chips.

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