EMINENCE — The name of the multi-distance bicycle race is the Dust Bowl 100 because it is contested on gravel roads.
But on Saturday, it would have been apropos to entitle it the Perspiration Bowl
Though a light breeze blew across the event as the hundreds of riders raced along gravel roads in Morgan and Putnam counties, this event became sweltering as the temperature increased to nearly 90 degrees with high humidity.
There were races for children Friday night, but mostly, there were races for adults covering 44 miles, 100 kilometers (62 miles) and 100 miles.
“By the end of the day, we’ll pick up about a hundred riders — some are bike mechanical issues, some have heat exhaustion,” noted event director Mark O’Leary.
Those who did finish found race volunteers dispensing plenty of liquids, a quality lunch and large tents that provided shade.
Zachary Nehr of Menomonee Falls, Wisc., raced to first in the 100-miler with a time of 4 hours, 21.01 minutes. He finished just ahead of Spencer Coy of Cedar Springs, Mich. (4:21.43) and Derek Dotlich of Westfield (4:21.44).
“This is my first time. This is a very cool event!” exclaimed Nehr while clutching the winners’ trophy, which included a metal state of Indiana cutout by Jag Metal Solutions just east of Eminence, in addition to a bowl made from bicycle chains.
“It was a very interesting race,” said Nehr, 28. “One of our guys went off road (ahead) early, so I was able to conserve energy. There was an uphill spot. The breakaway came back. There were a series of attacks. I went when a teammate went.
“I just put my head down and kept going. Later, I looked back, and there was no one on my back wheel.
“It was super hot. Then we went into a headwind. I knew I had at least a one-minute lead. With two miles to go, it felt pretty good, so I could just keep going.”
Riders from all over competed in the event sponsored by Zipp Speed Weaponry of Indianapolis, including Mairen Lawson of Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada, who won the 100-mile female open in 4:59.18. Ellory Clason of Grand Rapids, Mich., was second in 5:09.20 and Maire Noonan of Grand Haven, Mich., third in 5:11.22.
O’Leary said Eminence provided a quality location. The races began and finished behind Eminence School, with the finish line staged near adjacent cornfields.
“I live in Plainfield,” O’Leary said. “There’s a gravel road near my house. So I found more gravel roads. We’re not that far from the airport. A lot of riders are from out of state. Here, you get that small-town feel, but it’s a great place to have this.”
Each race had multiple divisions for men and women.
Jake Fiddler of Brownsburg won the 44-mile race in 2:13.26. Ben Renkema of Travelers Rest, S.C., took the 100K in 2:58.09.
There were several competitors from the area as well.
Garrett Johnson of Martinsville placed 18th in the 44-mile race with a time of 2:29.01.
David Jenkins of Mooresville was third in the 70-and-over class of the 44-miler with a time of 3:07.42.
Harlee LaVoy of Camby was second in the female 19-29 class at 3:11.05.
In the 100K, Chad Kenworthy of Martinsville was 113th in 3:49.47, Michael Roach of Mooresville 144th in 4:00.55, MJ Keymon of Morgantown 162nd in 4:07.40, Clayton Breitenstein of Mooresville 251st in 5:07.19, Eric Wilson of Martinsville 295th and Heather Coddington of Camby 300th.
O’Leary said there were many partners which made it all possible.
“Jag Metal Solutions has done our trophies since the start,” he said. “The winner’s trophy is made from old bike chains. We ride over a lot of metal and iron bridges.
“We support Eminence Schools. We donate bikes to students. Our riders can use the showers in the school. So the funds go back into the school.
“The A&A Fire Department (A&A Township Volunteer Fire Department, Martinsville) helps us a lot with a lot of things.
“Overall, it was successful. It’s a good atmosphere.”
For complete results, go to www.dustbowl100.com.
