Several Lincoln County bicyclists participated in the 20th annual Cruise the Blues Festival, a premier Mountain bike and gravel race held at the Palen Family Farm near Tipton.
Beverly resident Dillon McCosh took second place overall, averaging 11.45 miles per hour.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event, put on by Doug and Tracey Palen and their staff of five. The Palen’s own and operate a 4th generation farm with over 100 years of history. Like many multi-generational farm families, the Palen farm has seen important changes in the farming industry, from a one-bottom plow in the first generation to a permanent no-till practice used by Doug.
The Cruise the Blues Festival is a three-day event beginning on a Friday afternoon and ending on Sunday. Most of the festivities are on Saturday, and this year it was August 26.
According to their website, the events challenge even the best riders with dynamic and active racing. New riders can check out the trails and test their skills, and families are encouraged to celebrate fun on bicycles regardless of their age, skill or ability.
The course is opened on Friday afternoon for practice and the early-bird super mile time trial race.
A barbecue meal by Big T’s BBQ, live music and s’mores by the campfire. The Palen’s offer free camping on both Friday and Saturday nights with showers and a continental breakfast in the morning.
Racing on Saturday begins with a mass start for both the gravel and mountain bike races. Gravel races follow an 18-mile route with some of the most scenic dirt roads and trails in the area. The mountain bike racing format makes great racing and spectating. Riders complete as many laps as possible over a three-hour period with a loop back through the farm on each lap.
Riders can compete solo or as part of a two-person team, choosing between the four-mile JOY course and the nine-mile GLORY course. The JOY course is a single track in the woods, meadows and fields surrounding the farm. The longer GLORY course includes more climbing, exposure to the elements and rougher terrain. Lap riders are offered mechanical support, water bottles and may remove layers of clothing, exchange with a teammate or take a break. Riders of all ages can participate in the event. In 2022 the oldest racer was 74 years old and the youngest completed a full lap of the JOY course at the age of 7. This year, the Dail family, Anthony, Kristen and their three children, all competed, each bringing home a first-place win in their respective races.
The Cruizin’ Kids Race takes place after the gravel and mountain bike races.
The free festival begins after all the racing on Saturday afternoon, featuring bike games, a contest of skill, live music and a bonfire.
All proceeds from the event benefit NCK Outdoors and Tipton schools.
