Mt. Davis Challenge set for July 23 in southern Somerset County
If you're driving around southern Somerset County on July 23, be prepared to meet some bicyclists. A lot of bicyclists.
The Confluence Tourism Association will be hosting the Mt. Davis Challenge bicycle race on July 23. This 40 /56-mile race will start in Confluence, and climb over Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania. About 150 amateur riders from eight states are expected to participate in this 10th annual event that will utilize the hilly back roads of southern Somerset County.
"The first race was in 2012. After attending several other bicycle road races organized by a promoter in West Virginia, a friend of mine, Adam Synder and I decided we needed to have a race over Mount Davis," said Jim Sota, race director. "We often rode and trained on those roads and many races we entered had hilly terrain.
"We approached the Confluence Tourism Association, and they decided it was a great idea. Not many races go over the high point of a state and it is a great challenge to climb up and over the mountain and come back over some very hilly roads."
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What is the course?
The race starts at 11 a.m. and each field of riders will race the same course which has a total climb of nearly 5,000 feet. The course is a lollipop style which will use Route 523, Fort Hill Road, Pumpkin Center Road and Mount Davis Road to go over the mountain, which has an elevation of 3,213 feet.
Once over the top, the course loops around the back side of the mountain on St. Paul Road, Oak Dale Road, Route 669 and Savage Road and returns on the same roads as the approach.
"Many of the riders that participate are looking for a unique test of their speed and stamina and the course does not disappoint," Sota said. "We do get a variety of participants, from experienced well-conditioned athletes that average 23 mph to first-time racers happy to finish. We added a second lap of the upper loop to the Mens's Category 1, 2, 3 race because they wanted a longer race.
The race is sanctioned by USA Cycling, the official governing body of amateur bicycle racing in the United States.Men and women riders will be competing in both ability and age categories for a total of $1,500 in cash prizes as well as some merchandise prizes.
The entry fee is $40 prior to July 19 and $50 on race day.
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All riders are required to have a USA Cycling license. A one-day license will be available on race day for $15 for non-licensed riders.
Race registration is at www.bikereg.com/mt-davis-challenge.
Volunteers needed
"Most have a great time and are thrilled by the experience, scenery and competition," Sota said. "It takes a lot of work to organize a road race and when done properly people come back and tell their friends. This has increased the number of participants over the years and it's great to see so many riders coming to Confluence."
The race will be held rain or shine. Registration will be held at the Community Center next to the town park in Confluence beginning at 8:30 a.m. on race day.
All riders must wear a helmet and no rider is permitted to cross the center line of any road.
Traffic will be controlled at intersections and the Somerset County Amateur Radio Club will be providing radio support.
Prolonged climbs, fast descents and some rough road surfaces make this event a true challenge. The fastest riders will complete the course in less than two hours. Spectators are encouraged to come out and view the action and cheer on the racers.
Awards will be presented at the Confluence town park.
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"The number of bicycle road races has decreased significantly in the past few years and people are willing to travel for the ones that are well organized and provide a memorable experience," Sota said. "A beautiful, challenging and well-marked course, great volunteers, quick accurate race timing and a variety of age and ability divisions have all led to the success of the race."
Proceeds from the event are donated to organizations that help with the race and used to fund Confluence Tourism Association projects and events.
Volunteers are needed to control traffic and provide support at the finish. Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact the race director, Jim Sota at mtdavischallenge@gmail.com or call 814-926-2840.
Maps, race schedule, registration and further details can be found at https://www.bikereg.com/mt-davis-challenge 10 years of racing over Mount Davis.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Mt. Davis Challenge set for July 23 in southern Somerset County
