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Nearly 300 cyclists ventured across the northland on Saturday.
While the day began at 58 degrees, the annual Headwaters 100 bike ride treated 295 to lovely fall colors. The rain held off until about 12:15 p.m.
The ride is hosted by the Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club and includes well-marked 100-, 75-, and 45-mile routes through northern woods.
“Many finished the 75- and 100–mile in the rain with smiles on their faces,” said Renee Brauer, a longtime club member.
Krisi Fenner of Bemidji heard about the event through her coach. She enticed Alyssa Coglianese of Lakeville to join the 45-mile ride.
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“We’re having a blast,” Fenner said. “It’s very comfortable, not too windy, which is a big deal.”
They plan to return next year.
“The fall colors are beautiful. The winding country roads are absolutely beautiful. The camaraderie between riders is really great,” Fenner said.
Coglianese said they will work their way up to the 100-mile ride. Both compete in triathlons.
Nathan and Brenda Richman of Moorhead also completed the 45-mile route.
Nathan has participated in the Headwaters 100 twice. He finished the century ride both times.
He likes “the fall, the hills, the beauty of it. It’s a good time of year. You’re in shape because you’ve been going all summer. It’s kind of a last hurrah.”
This was Brenda’s first time at the Headwaters 100, but she has done a couple triathlons this summer. “This was an end-of-the-season ride for me,” she said.
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According to Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club, the average age was 52. There were 10 riders under 25, 54 between the ages of 25 to 40 and 231 riders over the age of 40. There were 175 males and 117 females.
Among the states represented were Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina, Wyoming and even Manitoba, Canada.
