Photo by Paul Kjelland

The second annual Riverwest 24 kicked off
July 24 at 7PM after an opening ceremony that
featured bagpipers and talks of encouragement
by third district alderman Nik Kovac and Koss
Headphones president John Koss.

400 some bicyclists then hit the streets
riding the four mile route and stopping at
bonus checkpoints at local establishments on or
nearby the course. Several events such as block
parties, bike-in movies, and a 24 hour concert
set by Portland band Why I Must Be Careful tied
into the race.

Despite gloomy predictions from armchair weathermen, the weather remained nice for
most of the race, and the race and the riders stayed safe without any major incidents.
Team Riverwest Tandemic won the tandem bicycle division with 36 laps and 12 bonus
checkpoints. Hero Squad won the Team A Class with 73 laps and 22 bonuses. There was a tie
for the Team B Class between 3BR and Noon in Sullivan, both with 77 laps and 22 bonuses.
Lastly there was an interesting turn of events in the solo class division. Xav LePlae, last year’s
Riverwest 24 solo champ, again won the title with 55 big laps and 22 bonuses. There was a
tie for second place, with Team Sobelman (aka Evan Pack) completing 62 laps and 13 bonuses
and Trevor Merck with 56 laps and 19 bonuses, tieing the two at 75 points.

In a show of sportsmanship, LePlae handed Pack his trophy because he had completed
more laps and did not have time to complete one of the checkpoints. LePlae’s generous and
friendly gesture showed the true spirit of this community event.