By Anna Erickson
aerickson@parkrapidsenterprise.com
Perfect fall weather was welcomed by those participating in the 34th annual Headwaters 100 bicycle ride Saturday.
This was a contrast to the 2013 event, which had cold rains and wind much of the day.
“I’ve probably done 25 or 26 of these rides and this was the nicest weather I’ve seen,” said cyclist Jerry Johnson, of Bemidji.
It was nearly a peak weekend for leaves changing colors, and many riders enjoyed the scenery along the route from Itasca State Park through Lake George, Akeley, Nevis, Park Rapids, Dorset and Emmaville.
“Perfect,” said cyclist Kevin Robson, of Brainerd. “That section through Itasca State Park takes the blood pressure down by about 30 points.”
The soup stop at Mantrap Valley Conservation was a hit, once again, for riders. Volunteers had a great time chatting with cyclists while enjoying the fall weather.
Headwaters 100 organizer Shannon Barnett reported that a total of 574 riders participated and represented 10 states and Manitoba, Canada. Riders came from Arizona, California, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
The 100 mile route had 307 riders, 75 mile route had 112 riders and 45 mile route had 155 riders.
“The volunteers you see along the way really enjoy what they do and that’s because our Headwaters 100 riders are the best people, period,” Barnett said. “Once again you wowed us with your spirit, humor, smiles and kindness.”
Organizers and riders are already looking forward to the 2015 event, which will be the 35th annual.
