by Martha Jane Holman |
More than 150 riders competed in the inaugural ‘The Bloody Rose’ mountain bike climb last September, the first competitive mountain bike race to be held in the eastern Sierra. It was the signature event of Galena Fest, which raised awareness about, and funds to build. viable outdoor recreational resources in the Sierra.
Dale Beesmer, a mountain bike trail advocate who has worked with the USFS in the Peavine area, hopes that this year and in the years to follow, additional single track road and trail will be added to the course of The Bloody Rose. “There are many non-designated dirt roads and trails leading to Mt. Rose Summit; if we could get those trails approved by the USFS, it would create an excellent race course and would provide unmatched trail opportunities for residents and visitors alike,” said Beesmer. “Bringing on board The Bloody Rose sponsor Watson Rounds Law Firm not only legitimizes our purpose but highlights the interest and need for more outdoor recreational events and resources,” added Beesmer.
The 2nd Annual Galena Fest will take place Saturday and Sunday, September 25 & 26, 2010, at Galena Creek Regional Park, and will feature: The Bloody Rose climb to Relay Peak; The Thorn, an uphill 10k running race to the top of Sky Tavern; kids mountain bike races on park-side courses; The Big Fish Contest for kids, as well as other park-side activities for all ages. Proceeds from the two day event will benefit outdoor recreational resources in the Sierra.
Leveraging the success of its inaugural event, the non-profit group is organizing Galena Fest 2010 replete with live music, food and beverage vendors, exhibits and activities for kids. “We’re really excited to announce the addition of a tough, competitive and absolutely beautiful uphill running race to our venue: The Thorn offers a 10k race from the Park to the top of Sky Tavern, a climb of roughly 1700’ over nearly 6 miles. We expect a good show of runners as there is no running race like The Thorn anywhere in the Sierra; thanks to our running race sponsors South Reno Athletic Club and Dr. Andy Pasternak, we are bringing a new outdoor event to Reno. And, Galena Fest has something for everyone: bike races, the running race, a fishing contest for kids, festival and live music set in an idyllic, park-side setting,” said Richard Keillor, Galena Fest Founder.
Galena Fest 2010 will expand to include an outdoor concert, festival and fishing on Saturday, September 25, and on Sunday, September 26, the signature events: The Bloody Rose, The Thorn, the kids’ mountain bike races, The Big Fish Contest and Art in the Park. The events will be staggered so that the activities can be enjoyed by all.
Initial sponsors of Galena Fest 2010 include Intuit, Dr. Andrew Pasternak, Mike Rounds and S. Reno Athletic Club.
The core of Galena Fest 2010 will take place at Galena Creek Regional Park. For more information about Galena Fest 2010 and online race registration, visit:
www.RenoGalenaFest.com or call (775) 813-7136.
Holman is a volunteer advisor to Galena Fest, Inc. and the volunteer Event Manager for Galena Fest 2010.
