ABOVE: The hard core mountain bike riders lead the way during the 7th annual running of the Ride in the Rocks event in Lucerne Valley on Saturday.Peter Day / Lucerne Valley Leader
By Peter Day
Senior Reporter
LUCERNE VALLEY — More than 120 mountain bike riders, walkers and runners enjoyed perfect weather during the 7th annual running of the Ride in the Rocks event on Saturday.
Billed as a non-competitive event, people of all ages — and several dogs — participated in the event of their choice. Hard core mountain bikers endured sand, steep hills and ample rocks in the 25- or 40-mile events. Others participated in the Tame 10 or Family 5 mile mountain bike rides or the 5-mile Run/Walk.
The event began at Lucerne Valley High School and, depending on the event chosen, participants trekked through the desert. The course for the hard core riders took them over Highway 18, up the Meridian Corridor near the mines and back.
Proceeds from the event go to the Mitsubishi Cement Corporation Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides funding for Lucerne Valley schools. The primary event for the schools is the annual science camp in Big Bear.
“If Mitsubishi didn’t support us we wouldn’t be able to go,” said teacher Vici Miller who was helping to serve lunch following the event.
Besides having a fun time with archery and other camp activities, students learn orienteering, survival skills, ecology, astronomy and more.
“This is a huge thing for our kids, and Mitsubishi pays for everything,” Miller said.
Leading the way at the event were trail-hardy mountain bikers with backpack water supplies and high-end bikes and gear, hoping to break their personal-best times. But others at the other end of the spectrum also participated.
“It went great,” said Louanne Strickland, who participated in the 10-mile bike event with several youths from the Lutheran Social Services’ “Wrap Around Program,” which provides guidance for high risk youths.
Regina Jones, 61, of Lucerne Valley ran and walked the 5-miler with her three dogs, two rottweilers “Maya” and “Bicmo,” and a reluctant Akita mix named “White Socks.” The latter often sought shade, despite the pleasant weather, under nearby trees and creosote bushes.
Despite enjoying the outdoor exercise with her friendly pooches, when asked what her favorite part of the experience was, Jones said, “the end.”
After the race, participants were treated to their choice of beef, chicken or vegetarian plates prepared by Cervantes Grill on Wheels.
To learn more about the Mitsubishi Cement Corporation Educational Foundation, visit http://mitsubishicement.com/educational-foundation/