Nebraska Cycling News

Riders, families, and friends descended on Platte River State Park Saturday afternoon and into the evening to draw a close to a year of championship mountain bike racing in Nebraska.

Nearly 40 riders participated in a group ride on the Parks popular trail system, and was enjoyed by juniors and experts alike.  While some rode, families enjoyed a guided hike lead by sport racer and general outdoorswoman Donna Holmes.  Others enjoyed movies in the Mallet Lodge.  As the sun began to set, riders gathered back at Mallet Lodge and listened to the end of the Cornhusker game, while the Martin & Christine Bixby prepared food for the masses.  Over 80 people enjoyed salad, spaghetti, garlic bread, beer, and chased it down with apple crisp handmade by Roxzanne's mother Karen.

A new award was introduced to recognize those folks that show consistent, enthusiastic support and participation in the Psycowpath Series.  This years racers were not surprised that the first ever "Psycow-Spirit" award was given to the Grady family: you likely saw them along the trail at every race cheering for everyone.  Mom, dad, and all eleven children were given commemorative bells for their future cheering efforts.  It would not be quiet night in the Grady household. 

State Champion XC Racers were recognized and awarded medals.   Each of 8 host clubs and 12 shops sponsors were recognized and thanked.  The top 3 series competitors in each category were recognized with a slideshow presentation featuring pictures of them in action.  And finally, 2006 title sponsor the Nebraska Lottery was thanked as part of final recap video, highlighting over 250 of the best photographs from the 2006 season.  The evening ended with a sneak peek of the race dates for 2007.  Stay tuned to Nebraskacyclingnews.com for future details on 2007.  The Psycowpath Season Banquet is sure to become an annual tradition, thanks to everyone who made it out and made the 2006 season a success.