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LOCAL CYCLING

August 5, 2010

Tunkhannock teen conquers Giants Despair Bike Challenge

JOHN GORDON For The Times Leader

LAUREL RUN — Before the ride began, David Novak said he could do the First Annual Giants Despair Bike Challenge in six minutes flat.

The bold prediction made its way up the mountain and several people scoffed at the notion that anyone could keep up that pace.

Those same people were in awe by the time the 604-foot incline and 1.1 mile ride came to a conclusion Wednesday evening in Laurel Run.

The 17-year-old from Tunkhannock catapulted to the head of the pack early and never looked back.

He kept a 10 mph pace through every winding turn including the dreaded “Devil’s Elbow,” a winding and rising hairpin turn about two-thirds into the challenge.

Novak’s prediction was off by just two seconds as his confidence propelled him across the finish line first. The young cyclist finished the challenge with a time of 6:02 as he finished with no other rider close to him.

“I used this hill to train for a 7.6-mile incline race at the White Mountains in Mount Washington, New Hampshire,” Novak said.

That training paid dividends, as the third-year racer had a good lay of the land heading into the event.

“I had seen some of the car races up this hill and thought it was a great idea the sponsors came up with for a bike challenge up the incline,” Novak said.

“It was really fun and a nice event to participate in.”

Mike Gavlick, 21, of Wilkes-Barre, was impressed by the way the sponsors and event organizers had the hill blocked off.

“Normally there are cars that cut you off when attempting this hill. This was different, and I was really excited to be a part of it,” Gavlick said.

Brothers Mike and Brian Stevens, who own Fitness Headquarters on Northampton Street, ensured safety precautions were in place, as well as setting up booths at the starting line and a cooling station at the finish.

“We really wanted a safe ride and for all of the participants to stay hydrated before and after the race,” Mike Stevens said. “I really thought we were going to have a small turnout.”

Mike Stevens estimated the challenge had between 50 to 60 people show up to watch. The inaugural race featured 33 competitors.

“This was a surprise and we are very grateful,” Mike Stevens said. “Many bike shops sent their race teams to this event. It was a good mix of professionals and novices.”

One novice was 9-year-old Robert Woolard of Plains. While David Novak might have set the pace as a pro, Woolard set the pace as a crowd-pleaser.

He was not alone. Woolard had a host of riders behind him in support and an entourage of fans chanting his name at the finish line.

He did not let them down as he put forth one last, furious effort and finally reached his destination.

Woolard was exhausted but extremely proud of his accomplishment.

“This felt good, real good,” he said. “That last stretch was a great feeling with everyone urging me on.”

He said that he was sure he could do it in the end when he had made it that far.

“I just said to myself, ‘Never quit,’ ” Woolard said.

Rich Pais, racing director for Wilkes-Barre, was extremely excited about the event.

“This was so different and exciting for cycling enthusiasts in general,” Pais said. “It’s something challenging and fun in the middle of the week, where you can come out after work and enjoy it.

“We have ironman athletes and 9-year-olds. It’s great.”

Giants Despair Bike Challenge

No.	Cyclist	Time
1	David Novak	6:05
2	Sean Robbins	6:35
3	Kip Janson	6:44
4	Dean Smith	6:55
5	Eddie Elbal	7:06
6	Cheri Fayer	7:42
7	Dave Levandoski	7:53
8	Brian Hubert	7:57
9	Rich Adams	8:03
10	Mike Gavlick