Fourteen riders turned out for the 7th annual Tour de Jackpine two weekends ago, with riders from Terrace to Telkwa climping the loop.
The near 31 kilometre route, boasting two long climbs and a roller section (short downs and ups in the road) near the Jackpine flats subdivision, starts at the Thornhill Pub, veers south on Old Lakelse Lake Road towards Hwy. 37, then north on the highway to Krumm Road before heading back to the pub.
The race consists of three loops, with rec categories for cyclists wanting to do the loop only once or twice.
“Lots of volunteers helped make the race a successful and safe experience,” said organizer Michael Bruce, who noted a strong showing from Smithers this year.
Indeed, Neil Hodgson of Smithers (2:45:20) took the top spot. James Woodworth (2:46:46) of Telkwa in second; third Bruno Hidber (2:46:50) of Terrace; fourth Dan Broad (2:48:33) of Terrace; fifth, Colin Parr (2:59:30) of Terrace; sixth Dan Fisher (3:19:29) of Terrace.
In the rec two lap category, Ron Lowe (1:59:55) of Telkwa crossed the line first, with Tammy Wilson (2:06:43) of Terrace in second; Ryan Gordon (2:07:14) of Terrace in third; Phil Kubik (2:12:32) of Terrace in fifth and Maya Siri Wardana (2:28:33) of Kitimat in sixth.
And for the one lap rec category, Ed Cooper (1:07:55) of Terrace was first; Ernest Hidber (1:07:56) of Terrace second, and Annie Marie DuFour (1:17:13) of Kitimat in third.
The next cycling event, also put on by the Terrace Off Road Cycling Association (TORCA), is the Skeena River Challenge in August.