Weather shuts down bike jam

By Brian Lawrence
Creston Valley Advance

After a day of nearly perfect weather for the qualifying rounds on Saturday, the organizers of Creston’s Goat Style Bike Jam were forced to cancel the event on Sunday.

Heavy rain rendered the course a series of slippery ramps and muddy slopes — less than ideal conditions for the fourth annual cycling festival.

“It wasn’t safe for the riders to ride,” said organizer Wes Graham.

On Saturday, more than 1,000 spectators enjoyed the event, which featured 83 cyclists competing and a performance by Canadian hard rock band Art of Dying.

“It blew our minds,” said Graham. “We had pro riders show up and crowds we couldn’t believe.”

Despite the cancellation, the riders who qualified for Sunday’s round didn’t go home empty-handed.

“We divided up the purse money between the fifteen senior advanced riders, and all fifteen walked away with $100.”

Graham and his 65-member group of volunteers are hoping the cancellation doesn’t discourage folks from attending next year.

“We want to do it again,” he said. “We’re just looking for support to keep the event rolling.”