Wanna do a (no-pressure) mountain bike race?

Since I’m a seasoned road cyclist and competitor, many times I’ve been present when the conversation turns to mountain biking, since so many of my buddies are into racing on- and off-road.

Until recently, I’d never really given a lot of thought to getting into competitive mountain biking, but probably through the power of suggestion (and maybe a little, subtle brainwashing), I decided to find out what I’ve been missing — if anything.

Bike 5 in July is the brainchild of Kent Eggeleston, owner of Bicycle Sales and Service on Fourth Street in Coeur d’Alene. Each Wednesday in July, he designs a new course out at Farragut State Park and racers pull up to the starting line on those evenings.

Whole families are known to show up for the races, since kids have a separate category.

I was fortunate enough to ride the first course before this past Wednesday’s race, allowing me to find out what I was in for. I managed to get through it in just under 40 minutes, while attempting to memorize any difficult sections.

Soon I was on the starting line, and when Kent gave the 2-lappers (sent out first, before those who chose to just do a 1-lap race) the “go” signal, we mashed the pedals and charged into the first turn.

For the most part, the highly competitive participants start up front, with lesser inclined farther back. I did have to get past a slower rider, and this is the responsibility of the passer to do it safely.

Once clear, I made up distance on some of the leaders, before a rough section led to my chain bouncing off. Quickly I stopped and spun it back on, and I fell back into a battle with two other riders for the last lap and a half.

I managed to finish in the middle of my group, which considering it was my first mountain bike race, felt like a win to me.

So if you desire a little competition (or just a great ride on the Farragut Park trails), stop by the Bike 5 in July Facebook page for all the info in the next event.

The North Idaho College Men’s soccer team handles registration, timing, cheering on the competitors and providing a barbecue (part of the $20 entry fee) after the last racer has crossed the line.

A special event will take place on Sunday, July 24, with a special event called Ride The Pass, at Fourth of July Pass. The final Farragut race is that Wednesday, July 26.