Cascade Chainbreaker race is ‘wheelie’ big

Hundreds braved the early heat, intense turns and obstacles Saturday for the 16th annual Cascade Chainbreaker Mountain Bike Race.

There were quite a few wrecks and spills on the cross-country course northwest of Bend, where racers of all ages and skill level did laps ranging from just a mile to more than 30 miles.

The race was hosted and sponsored by Webcyclery.

One Bend woman was watching her husband and son race.

She said she was excited to see them compete, and is glad the race is no longer held on Mother’s Day.

“This year it’s on Saturday, and the boys have to figure out what they’re going to do tomorrow, instead of bringing me to a bike race,” she said.

“It’s awesome,” said another woman who was watching her first mountain bike race. It’s so fun to watch, to see. I wish I could get out there and race, but I don’t have enough guts to.”

The race is also a fundraiser for Central Oregon Trail Alliance; a group that maintains local trails and educates users.