If Irvine Lake Could Talk- 2014 Over the Hump Finale
Tuesday Night, did you wonder, what the Lake would say in the wake of the electric vibe, super-charged quads, and fluid friendships that rolled away from 4621 Santiago Canyon Road on August 26? OK, maybe that’s just a personal personification issue, for me…but, the stories that lived this summer, will forever live in my heart, and they will live around Irvine Lake. I know that I’ll replay scenes of racers, spinning round and round, hugs received from racers in tears, for the amazing summer, and yes, even some of those heated moments, when we all got pretty competitively “spicy”.
We took some a snapshot of the collage, and some of your peer’s take aways from Tuesday, night…
Racers who hit the whole season pedaled between Beginners 108 miles Sport Racers picking up 156 miles, and the Elite Crew riding 216 miles. Thats 24, 36, and 48 laps around the lake respectively. But beyond the laps and the miles there have been some huge 2014 miles stones.
A Fullerton Bikes Voice sent us a sensational summary of their own experience of what OTH has done within the lives of others.
” One of our racers started racing last year (on his $499 mountain bike)… This year he put a hurt on fellow Super Sport competitors. Our rider from Mexico finished first Overall in Men’s Elite [Alfred Pacheco] (No pro support. No $10,000 bike. Simply a desire to do his best- he was an inspiration to all of us).
“Fathers and sons bonding and racing side by side. Husbands babysitting / cheering so their wives were able to compete. People whose overall health was horrible last year- racing at a high level this year. Friends who finish LAST each and every week (I know this because I cheer for them).. these people show up every week just so they can hang out with friends.
“Quite a few relationships began (or were greatly strengthened) at OTH. Our guy Warren (Oakley Award Winner) is well known for his 100 mile mountain bike rides. Would have never happened without OTH fanning the flames. Although he did not race this year, he rode and trained with quite a few racers who did.
“Wives, husbands, kids, parents and grandparents showing up each and every week simply to cheer on loved one’s…. The list goes on and one and on…. “
Closing out a season, and keeping the spirit alive till next season is what it’s all about for us. Looking back with fond memories, looking forward to future great ones. We know there’s a lot more fun to come, as Mountain Bike Action was onsite, with Editor John Kerr, trackside shooting photos. Check them out Here.
Among other recognitions: RokForm Craig (Erion), winner of the men’s 60 Plus, came up and received the Racer 5 IPA, acknowledging his personal, and RokForm company sponsorship contribution to creating the Over the Hump 1-3 trophies . We also were able to celebrate the two team competition winners. Taking home the 5+ Person team competition that ended on Tuesday August 5th was Linked Cycling Club. The 3 person Champion team was from G2 Bike.
Sponsors make Over the Hump what it is, as they join the community. Without our featured shops, and the people who work and shop there, we would be a quiet race in the back or Orange County, sleeping through Tuesdays. Instead the featured shops (Pro Bike Supply,The Path Bike Shop, Surf City Cyclery, Bike Religion, JAX Bicycle Center, Fullerton Bicycles/Buena Park Bicycles, Rock N Road Cyclery, G2 Bike and Two Wheels One Planet) have joined the Over the Hump Community, adding weekly prizes, intrigue and fun take homes for kids and adult kids every week.
Co-Presenting Sponsors Audi & HDX Hydration Mix have engaged us. They have never asked OTH what we can do for them, instead they keep pushing in, adding value after value for the racers. This year’s add was again Audi’s Preferred Lakeside Parking, the Ride N’ Drive at Oakley Plate pick up in May, while HDX went above and beyond serving us hydration, handing out leader’s jerseys weekly, and building in our HDX Course Features (table tops and bermed sections).
We don’t just sell sponsorship, we recruit and invite sponsors to join us in the community. They want to give, and participate. That’s what makes our sponsors so special. Over the Hump Sponsors give to you the racers. We are so grateful to have a full list of Epic Partners. Over the Hump is made possible by local and industry businesses. Thanks to Think ASG, Trek, Specialized, American Interbanc/Cannondale, Felt, RokForm, Crankbrothers, Hutchinson, Mountain Bike Action, PowerBar, Kawasaki, Hot Shoppe Designs, Action Sport Canopies, Avalon Baker Ranch, Estate Services, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, and Oakley for adding value, prizes, and the key component Core Energy to OTH this season.
Orange County Parks, went big, finding ways for us to work with them, and continue to race and help maintain the property they manage, that we are privileged to utilize to race. We plan to work with OC Parks this year, and can use your community effort to tangibly serve the Park and making the OC outdoor parks and trails a better place to play for everyone. I know we enjoy riding them.
Remembering the 2014 season without all the kids at the center would be impossible. To know the guys and gals that bring the kids race to us, Linked Cycling, is nothing short of a privilege. John and I both rode out with our daughters in the kids race Tuesday (a gift they gave to us). That is one of the highlights of my year, not just OTH. But from an event perspective, WOW. I struggled to pick my 7 year old out of the swarm of kid 6-8 racers, in the middle of 50+ kids starting in their group…awesome testimony to what is happening in the sport and families, in regards to cycling. Thank you Linked!
So many memories, 6 seasons, tons of dirty smiles, and hundreds of families waiting with expectation for 2015’s season. So we’ll stop there and get on to the stuff that makes Over the Hump OTH. Riding with friends.
Come on guys, gals, boys, girls. Let’s get out there and ride…of course we’ll drop you a few notes, share some of our favorite pictures, and let you in on the news that you need to know, as we anticipate the 2015 season.
I’m going for a ride!