Shimano Night-June 11 Race Report and Results
Over the Hump is a party. A party that happens to be a bike race. It’s a midweek summer gathering. Church on two wheels. A magical place, a place where people suffer and thrive; end of the night, they end up smiling. With an event this size it seems like it would be difficult to manage and operate…but it’s actually easy.
Why? Because Over the Hump is a race that runs itself. People “awe” and “ohh” when they visit for the first time. But we have to be honest…it’s pretty easy. That doesn’t mean that it’s not work, that means it’s a family and everyone has their chores to make the party happen.
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“It takes an army” is an understatement. 4 high school MEN Zander, Matthew, Evan and Philip were hard at work on Monday and Tuesday to ready the course. The Path Bike shop staffed course marshals and road crossing, along with snacks. 49 exhibitors and sponsors rolled in with canopies and race rigs, bike stands and their posse. 15 volunteers sat behind the registration table, leg marking booth, and 20 New Racer Docent Ambassadors welcomed the new and first time racers. Linked Cycling rolled in at 3:30 like they do every Tuesday to set and operate the kid’s race (which we wouldn’t have if they didn’t speak up 9 years ago and say, “The kid’s race is cool, let us do this every week”. Little did we know that pivotal statement would be the future for Over the Hump, and the nurture field for NICA and UCI competitive cross country racing in the United States.
We love this party and are so honored, blessed and happy to have you adopt Over the Hump as your own. Tuesday was no exception, even though we’re all off to vacations, and projects, and summer school breaks, we’re all still together. In fact, each shop and many sponsors have weekly rides that will keep you pedalling forward in the 6 off weeks before we convene Summer Session Number 2 at Irvine Lake. Check out rides like Fullerton Bikes Thursday training ride, Docent Brewing’s Wednesday Recovery Ride, or Rock N Road’s Tuesday Trail Party; all of our sponsors are listed on the sponsor page, and all the featured shops run midweek gathering rides. Visit them to see how to play while we’re away….it will help you stay fit and motivated in the non-over the hump weeks.
Heather Munive LIV and Kenda downhill athlete was our Master of Ceremonies
Heather said, “Its so great to see so many kids and families out here racing…This is awesome, and it’s a Tuesday night with so many people riding bikes and having a blast. I’m having so much fun. I’m coming back next half of the season to race. Gonna do it all up, Spandex and all.”
The Path Bike Shop XTR Wheel / Race Face Rim Giveaway
Ricardo Duenas ended up winning the wheelset. He deserves it…if anyone does. Ricardo has raced a couple Over the Humps, because usually he’s volunteering to make the race better. He has given time to help map courses, manned the crossing guard, and helped at registration. Ever since Ricardo found us back at Revolution Bike Fest 2016 he’s been 6 men in one to man any post we have available. Contrats Ricardo.
Shimano Night at Over the Hump
Shimano Night was a big hit with free swag and 10 Lazer Helmets pouring out the side door of the Shimano Sprinter all night long. Happy winners got their mits on LAZER helmets, courtesy of Shimano.
Beginner and Intermediate Awards
Top step earned the Simple Green Leader’s Jersey (for keeps), and everyone was all smiles….except when race director, Matt Wenger, kept mentioning it was “Graduation Week”. Then all podium winners wide-eyed were looking to the future, wondering what would become of their adventures in racing at OTH. But, with every new experience comes the resolve to join the party and grow. These racers are ready. Contrats to our Beginner and Intermediate Series 1 2019 Champions.
The Beginner and Intermediate Series Two (second half of the race season) begins Tuesday July 23.
What’s coming Next?
As we take a break, go on vacation and head out on some playful all-day bike epics, we’re excited about resuming racing on Tuesday July 23 at Irvine Lake, for the second half of Over the Hump. Here’s some fun benchmarks to put on your calendar.
Tuesday, July 23 – Fox Glove Give Away
Tuesday July 30- Limestone Canyon Race
If you were part last year, you know; this 17 mile is an epic race, into pristine OC Parks Open Space. Sport through Elite racers get to enjoy the stretch of history into the old Irvine Ranch. But while the Sports are away, the Beginner and Intermediates will play, because they have the main venue Race Course all to themselves for race number 7.
Tuesday, August 6 – Family Night at Over the Hump is Back
The 10 Year Anniversary Party is Tuesday June 13
Hard to believe it’s been 10 years. You’ve been the reason for each season. Racers who race any 9 Races in 2019 earn the Anniversary Pint Glass. Don’t forget to grab your favorite cut-off jeans and sleeveless flannel it’s time to for a throw back.
We don’t like goodbyes, so we’ll just say “see you soon”! Enjoy your vacation, Summer Beach and Backyard BBQ’s while we’re apart. Parting is such sweet sorrow (that’s why we only go our separate ways for 6 weeks).
If you missed it, we missed you. But you get another chance to make history. Join us for the 2nd half of Over the Hump Mountain Bike Race Series, presented by Mazda on Tuesday July 23. We’ll be here waiting, and can’t wait to see you.