Two-Wheeled Frenzy: hundreds of cyclists and bikers crowd Downtown Palmer

PALMER — Early Saturday morning, more than 200 cyclists took off to race in the Palmer Spring Classic, a bike race in its seventh year put on by Backcountry Bike and Ski.

Traditionally, the Palmer Spring Classic sees a little over 100 riders take to the road at the start of summer. This year, 229 people signed up to ride in either the 25-mile, 100-kilometer or 100-mile race.

Avery Cobb signed up for her first bicycle race ever, but was having second thoughts when saw the looming clouds and felt the cold morning air.

“I woke up this morning and I said wow I don’t want to do this anymore, but I had already recruited my friend Anthony so he was like, no no no you have to do this. We are doing this,” Cobb said.

After 25 miles on the bike, Cobb was all smiles.

“The view was absolutely spectacular and I didn’t even know that there was a free beer at the end. I missed that part, so when he said that like five miles in, I was like let’s do this, let’s finish and get this beer, so that was my motivation the whole time,” Cobb said.

Riders had the option of the 25-mile course, which took off from Vagabond Blues and made a lap around the Butte and Springer Loop before returning to the Palmer Alehouse. The 100-k option went all the way out to Knik River Road and up Lazy Mountain before returning, and the 100 mile racers went all the way out to Knik River Road, up Lazy Mountain and out to Sutton before returning. Julie and Tony Berberich own Backcountry Bike and Ski and have been putting the race on for seven years.

“Our main goal has always been about supporting the community and trying to make Palmer a bicycle friendly community, not just selling bikes, making sure that people go out and ride their bikes,” Julie Berberich said.

Berberich said that surprisingly, over 30 riders signed up for the 100-mile race. Volunteers manned four aid stations for riders at the blinking light in the Butte, at the end of the course on Knik River Road, on Lazy Mountain and in Sutton. Berberich drove one of the two race Marshall cars that patrolled the course to ensure rider safety.

“It’s fun to be with a group of people and enjoy the community,” said Summer Ohlendorf.

Darren Black rode the 25-mile race with his two sons and a neighbor.

“It was a bit cold at first when we were standing around but once we got moving it was good,” said Gabe Black.

Gabe was involved with the SprocKids summer riding program, and has taken quite fondly to road racing.

“We just got into it we really like it and it’s fun so we want to keep doing it,” Gabe said.

Gabe’s father Darren said that Gabe already has his eyes on the 100 km race in 2020.

Jerry Killion rode the 25-mile race with his daughter, her husband, and his five grandchildren Ally, Grace, Hannah, Isaac and Zachary.

“It’s a great chance to spend time with my grandkids, that’s what it’s about,” said Jerry Killion.

Killion rode his first race in last year’s Palmer spring Classic, and took off for his third race on Saturday at 65 years old. Berberich noted the dissolution of other races as a possible reason for an uptick in participation, but also emphasized the movement to make Palmer more friendly to getting around on two wheels.

“Certainly with Pete [LaFrance] on the council, everybody on the council I think supports Palmer being friendly to cyclists,” Berberich said.

While the hundreds of bicycle riders were providing power for themselves on their Saturday ride, hundreds of motorcycle riders noisily joined the frenzy on two wheels in downtown Palmer.

BIKE BLESSING

The streets of downtown Palmer were noticeably noisy on Saturday, as hundreds of motorcycles and motorcycle riders crowded South Valley Way for the Association of Christian Motorcyclists bike blessing.

Joe Hand serves as a chaplain for the chapter 801 Midnight Sun Riders, and said that he’s been on a motorcycle for more than 350,000 miles. He first sat down in the seat of a motorcycle at 12 years old and has been riding for 43 years. His dog has over 70,000 miles on a motorcycle as well.

“We pray for the bikers, we pray for the bike, we pray for their safety for the bike as far as mechanically,” Hand said. “To basically enjoy it safely, enjoy god’s creation of this gorgeous state of Alaska he has given us to ride. There are more motorcycles in this state per capita than any state in the United States.”

Not only does Alaska have the most motorcycle riders per capita, but the highest percentage of female motorcycle riders as well. Nearly 100 bikers were present even prior to the noon start time for the barbecue and bike blessing. Beautiful bikes of all shape and style rumbled into downtown to eat, talk, and pray for the safety of their ride this summer. Hand also shared safety tips for motorcycle riders.

“The main thing is to ride defensively because you’re smaller, you can’t stop as fast, you’ve got to see what’s in front of you. Most of it is just having wise judgement. You can put all kinds of numbers and rules and stuff in front of you but you’ve got to ride with judgement and be careful,” Hand said.

According to one rider, 90 percent of all fatal accidents on a motorcycle happen within an hour of alcohol consumption. No matter the motorcycle or the personality behind the handlebars, riders from all walks of life rumbled down South Valley Way to have their bike blessed and be part of the community.

“Hells Angels and everybody shows up whether they believe in god or not. We all want safety. We all want the rubber side down, so even if to some people it could be a good luck charm, everybody wants their bike prayed for and they want it to be blessed,” said Collette Hand.