11/10/2006 Gary
The race was the last of a series of eight races in Poland. Unlike American races with their multiple classification system, this race series divided the riders into pro and amateur classes.
Race day was a beautiful one. Temperature in the 60s and sunny skies. It was a festive starting point. There was a mass start with all 1,000-some riders taking off down the initial paved section of the road before it turned into a fireroad which eventually jumped into singletrack. Gary was on-board his 29er as usual.
Once the crowd thinned after the first crowded climb the group began to thin as riders found their place. According to Gary, the course provided some "gruesome climbs" and was "satisfyingly technical." The trails provided rolling terrain that was well-forested and rugged enough to keep Gary and all the racers on their toes.
Once Gary and the riders pulled across the finish line the festival mood picked back up. A pasta feed with beer and prize presentation was waiting for them. The race promoters and crowd were genuinely appreciative to have Gary at the race. Gary was continuously signing bikes, shirts, race placards, or anything else that would hold ink. While at the race Gary also met the mayor of Istebna. Then at the awards ceremony Gary was presented with a wooden plaque of him in relief riding a bicycle in native wear.
The next day, Gary left the town of Istebna and headed to Warsaw. He appeared on the national radio and TV stations. He also had the opportunity to be on Polish MTV. All of the media outlets enjoyed the stories of mountain biking's origin.
The trip to Poland was a great experience for Gary. The race and time in Poland showcased a developed mountain biking scene and the friendly people that made the trip a good one.
Gary Fisher Visits and Races in Poland
With summer winding down, Gary Fisher flew over to Istebna, Poland to check out the local mountain bike scene and ride in the Intel Powerade Bike Marathon race.The race was the last of a series of eight races in Poland. Unlike American races with their multiple classification system, this race series divided the riders into pro and amateur classes.
Race day was a beautiful one. Temperature in the 60s and sunny skies. It was a festive starting point. There was a mass start with all 1,000-some riders taking off down the initial paved section of the road before it turned into a fireroad which eventually jumped into singletrack. Gary was on-board his 29er as usual.
Once the crowd thinned after the first crowded climb the group began to thin as riders found their place. According to Gary, the course provided some "gruesome climbs" and was "satisfyingly technical." The trails provided rolling terrain that was well-forested and rugged enough to keep Gary and all the racers on their toes.
Once Gary and the riders pulled across the finish line the festival mood picked back up. A pasta feed with beer and prize presentation was waiting for them. The race promoters and crowd were genuinely appreciative to have Gary at the race. Gary was continuously signing bikes, shirts, race placards, or anything else that would hold ink. While at the race Gary also met the mayor of Istebna. Then at the awards ceremony Gary was presented with a wooden plaque of him in relief riding a bicycle in native wear.
The next day, Gary left the town of Istebna and headed to Warsaw. He appeared on the national radio and TV stations. He also had the opportunity to be on Polish MTV. All of the media outlets enjoyed the stories of mountain biking's origin.
The trip to Poland was a great experience for Gary. The race and time in Poland showcased a developed mountain biking scene and the friendly people that made the trip a good one.
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