About 200 cyclists competed in the mountain bike races Saturday morning.
MOLINE, Ill. — Saturday morning and afternoon, cyclists took over Sylvan Island in one of the oldest mountain bike races in our area. The event, hosted by Friends of Off-Road Cycling (FORC), saw about 200 compete in races divided by age and skill level.
FORC Race and Event Director Mandy Griesenbeck said the island’s industrial history makes it stand out from other trails.
“There’s nowhere in the country that has a race on an island in the middle of a river,” Griesenbeck said.
She said the Sylvan Island Stampede attracts mountain bikers from across the Midwest, especially where there’s still snow on the ground. Racers range from five years old to their 70s.
Gwen Vos has been with FORC for about three years.
“Honestly, this is my favorite race out of all of them,” Vos said. “It’s a little bit more tight with a lot of people, but that brings people more together.”
Lorenz Smith is just getting started.
“This was actually my first race ever that I’ve done,” Smith said.
They both loved their runs, but it’s the people who really make the day.
“The entire community is very helpful while you’re racing, everybody’s out here kind of just cheering you on,” Smith said.
Griesenbeck said there’s a strong community in mountain biking.
“I see riders that I race with at my races and other races, and it’s the only time I see them, and it’s like a big hug. ‘Hey, how are you? Thanks for coming,'” Griesenbeck said.
With her team of about 30 volunteers, Griesenbeck keeps the trails smooth and the competition friendly.
“FORC family works together, and we get it done,” Griesenbeck said.
Volunteers from FORC maintain eight trails in our area. They invite anyone to try them out as long as you keep them clean.