Together, we ride: Locals set for Epic event in Carson City

They come in all shapes and ages. From high schoolers to married couples to father and son combos to local politicians.

The destination is the inaugural Carson City Off-Road, a weekend of cycling events presented by Epic Rides, ranging from a 15-mile amateur fun ride and a criterium around downtown Carson City for pro racers on Friday night to 35- and 50-mile amateur rides on Saturday and to backcountry 50-mile professional races on Sunday. Simply put, the weekend event has something for everybody.

This is also an event that could change things for the city; make more people aware of what the city has to offer.

“I believe this is potentially a transformational event for Carson City,” City Manager Nick Marano said. “The city has some of the best trail networks in the country, and great partnerships with non-profits and federal agencies. Those groups all came together in the construction of the Ash-Kings Trail.

“This is a great opportunity for Carson City to show the rest of the country the fantastic outdoor recreation opportunities literally in our back yard. This (event) will bring in some publicity for our trail system, and hopefully it will help trail building in the area.”

Supervisor Brad Bonkowski agreed.

“I have ridden the Ash Canyon to Kings Canyon trail and I look forward to the Epic Rides event putting that trail on the map nationally,” said Bonkowski. “It is well deserving of that honor. I look forward to the influx of riders for the next several days. It will bring even more attention to our corridor improvement program and is a great way to kick off the summer events season.”

Marano, who’s participating in his first competitive ride, is entered in the 35-mile Masters on Saturday, while Bonkowski opted for Friday’s 15-mile Fun Race. Marano said he’s been riding mountain bikes off and on for 15 years, and he’s eagerly looking forward to the weekend.

Biking can also be used to bring couples together away from the daily household grind.

The Butlers, Rod and Julie, are participating in the men’s and women’s 35-mile Masters, respectively. Butler, a teacher in the Carson school district and an assistant golf coach, started cycling just five years ago. His wife started a few years later.

“I started riding five or six years ago,” said Rod Butler. “Some friends rode and talked me into it. Julie started a couple of years ago when the wives of some of our friends started to ride. We are supposed to be riding with another couple, but there was an injury so we aren’t sure if they will be riding. We started because it was something to do together.”

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Julie Butler said. “Part of me is nervous; wondering if I’m up to the challenge. I’ve been preparing by going on longer rides. I started going to a personal trainer eight months ago to work on strength and endurance.”

Riding is old hat to Brad Wick, a teacher at Dayton High School. He’s entered in the Men’s 50-mile Masters event. He’s ecstatic to see an event of this magnitude come to the area.

“I’ve been mountain bike riding since 1992,” Wick said. “I’ve done a few (competitive) rides here and there. I did the Tahoe Big Blue race and I did the 24 Hours of Cool (near Auburn) a few times.”

Wick was introduced to the sport by friends when he went to Black Hill State in South Dakota. He and his wife both rode, though she’s not joining him this weekend.

“When we were looking for jobs, we were looking for an area similar to Black Hills, and we ended up in Carson City, and we’ve been here for 20 years,” he said.

Wick said riders should be prepared for a good, but tough course.

“I’ve ridden as much as allowed,” he said. “I have both a single-speed bike and a (gear) bike. To prepare for this, I’ve been riding the single-speed bike.

“There is nothing easy about this race. You climb for the first 23 miles right out of the gate. It’s a pretty good test.”