3rd annual ‘Palmer Spring Classic’ brings bikers to the Valley

PALMER — Cyclists from all over the area amassed outside Vagabond Blues on Sunday morning for the third annual Palmer Spring Classic.

Sponsored by Backcountry Bike and Ski, the event attracted 111 participants this year ranging in age from 15 to 70s. The Classic is called “self-sufficient,” so no crews accompany riders, and only a few checkpoints mark the route.

Backcountry Bike owner Tony Berberich said the point of the Classic is for folks to come out and ride and enjoy what the Valley has to offer in scenery and roads for bikers. In the future, Berberich said, they hope to offer more checkpoints with food and water and perhaps generate donations to various clubs and organizations.

The non-competitive ride included 50k, 100k, and 200k “loops.” The 50K riders went to Sutton and back. The 100K riders rode to King River and back via Farm Loop, up to the Little Su in Hatcher Pass, on to Wasilla Fishhook, Lakeview Drive, and Bogard, then back to Palmer. The 200k riders also went to King River and returned via Farm Loop but then headed up to the Mother Lode at Hatcher Pass, winding their way out to Houston and back, for a long 128-mile ride.

Barney Willis rode the 200K. As he rides, Willis said he listens to all varieties of music, from Linkin Park to classic, “You can lose yourself,” said Willis. “You can drive this route, but it’s totally different when you are in the saddle. It just slows everything down.”

Joe Schmidt and his sister Susan also joined the ride.

“You think about everything in your life. It’s a good escape, with good people,” said Schmidt. “It’s very relaxing.”

Scott and Yvonne Goldsmith have trekked the 100K route before, on their own. This morning would be their first ride in the Classic. What would they think about as they rode? “How my knees feel,” said Yvonne. “Can I make the next mile,” added Scott. Yvonne says when she rides, she loses stress, and can figure out answers to problems at work.

Some bikers confessed to being tired or sore, upon their return, but all expressed content with their accomplishment. Bikers were then seen about town getting coffee or hot chocolate at Vagabonds to ward off the chill or catching a bite for lunch at the Palmer Deli.

Valerie James said her son Robbie may have been the youngest biker to ride. He rides with Team Backcountry. James said the biking community has helped her son as he adjusts to their move here. “They are just the nicest people I’ve ever met,” she said.

Backcountry will host the Hatcher Pass Epic on Aug. 9. Registration opens on May 1. In that ride, bikers will go over Hatcher Pass and on to Willow.

For more information, call 746-5018 or visit backcountrybikeandski.com.

Jenny Weaver is a freelance writer for the Frontiersman.