The Galax area was well represented at the Salem Lake Duathlon held on Saturday March 3, 2007 at Salem Lake Reservoir in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Weather conditions were great, albeit windy, with temps. in the 50s at starting time and rising into the 60s by race end. Sunny skies and a strong (25mph+) wind allowed for great racing. Strong rains on Friday led to the lake overflowing the dam. The result was a run course that crossed two rivers (1 foot and 2 feet deep) and a bike loop that crossed the 1 foot water on both laps. Of course cold water led to cold feet but a good time was had by all.

The galaxoutdoors.com team finished 1st overall (and, obviously, first in the relay division). Runner Matt Coble had the 4th fastest run split to begin the race (2 miles). Cyclist Fred Mitchell completed 14 miles of cyclocross riding with the fastest bike split (19mph avg) over a twisty course with plenty of rocks, roots, and rough sections. After the ride, Matt finished the race strongly with the fastest 2nd run split. Our overall time was 1:09 and we won by more than a minute on the second place overall finisher.

Several individual competitors from our area as well as one other relay team competed as well. Check out the results for all of the info.

Photos will be posted to the galaxoutdoors.com photo gallery.

The race season is beginning to heat up. Check back here for our next race report.

Carolina Time Trial Series

at Lowes Motor Speedway

(updated 8-30-07)

The first two races in the 9-race series of individual time trials at the Lowes Motor Speedway are over and the Galax Outdoors team, represented by Fred Mitchell, is riding well.

Each race is a 10-mile race against the clock composed of 7 laps around the famous NASCAR track.

Using a new Cervelo bike, Fred set a personal record during race #1 of the series chopping almost 40 seconds off his previous best and finishing second in his division. Race #2 saw another 4 seconds sliced from that time. While 4 seconds in one month is good, the rest of the field sped up in half- and full- minute chuncks resulting in a lower overall finish.

Update -- Fred is 4th in points (8 points out of third) with two races remaining.

Fred is tied for 2nd in overall points with seven races remaining.

Join in the fun. There are categories for everyone and every speed. Registration is held online before each event. Find all of the details at www.carolinatt.org.

Alleghany Wellness Center Tour de Mountains

Thirty-five degree temperatures led to a low turnout in Sparta on Saturday May 19 for the 1st annual Tour de Mountains. Galax riders accounted for 3 of the 13 participants as Fred Mitchell, Carroll Lineberry, and Doug Hines bundelled for 50 hilly miles.

The pack split up pretty quickly and there were five of us in the lead group. Cooperation ruled as Fred and Carroll worked with the ProHealth riders until the final mountain. Fred climbed ahead and soloed back into Sparta finishing in about 2:40. Carroll was just a couple of minutes behind.

The weather was cool but perfect and everyone seemed to have a good time. Certainly the post-ride facilities, including lunch, were fantastic at the Alleghany Wellness Center.

Want to explore Alleghany County cycling? The same group puts on the Alleghany Ridge Ride in August. This ride follows a different course and, from past experience, I promise that it will test your legs.