Rattler Race riders and volunteers hit the trails despite freezing winds
KINGMAN – Nearly 60 mountain bikers took to the trails at Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area Saturday, Nov. 19 for the Route 66 Tinker Rattler Race.
The cyclists came out for a good, hardy and bumpy ride regardless of the windy and chilly day November delivered.
The competition is one of many mountain bike races that have been a growing tradition at the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area trails west of Kingman since 2014.
Riders from all over the country, and the sometimes the world, take a shot at the desert trails.
The first Rattler Race was in October of 2014 with the biggest turnout over the years being 150 riders. Torrent rains in 2018 delayed that year’s race and months of trail repairs by CRATA volunteers with the assistance of the Bureau of Land Management were needed to get the event going again.
The race lasted a few hours between the different classes and courses were 10 to 30 miles depending on the various skill levels of the racers.
The race was named after professional mountain bike marathon rider and racer Tinker Juarez, 61, who has been riding for nearly 45 years. He raced BMX from 1973 to 1986 and switched to mountain biking shortly thereafter.
“They asked me about having my name and I thought it was a great idea,” he said. “I was hoping for a bigger turnout.”
Juarez didn’t ride this year due to an injury but still showed up to give his support.
“It would be nice if the race was a few weeks earlier when the weather is warmer and people are motivated to ride their bikes,” he said.
Once again, and despite the cold, breezy morning weather, the race was a success.
“I think the overall involvement superseded my expectations,” said Ed Mann, President of CRATA. “Despite the chilly weather it did end up being a pretty fun day.”
Changes to the race schedule are always in the works.
“We are talking about making changes on dates and we’d really like to see it start in town again,” Mann said. “(CRATA) is always looking to improve (the Rattler Race’s) viability and engagement with the community.”
For more information on Colorado River Trail Alliance, plenty of race photos, and to volunteer, visit their Facebook page and their website at www.cratatrails.org.
Aaron Ricca
