Press ReleaseFebruary 14, 2001
High Sierra Fall Century Benefits Sierra Cycling Foundation, Mono Lake Committee and Local Economy
Photo captions: 1) Century organizers from the SCF and MLC, left to right: Sam Mudie, Bonnie Gregory, Jim DeGraffenreid, Sally Gaines, Shannon Nelson; 2) Jack Trefry victoriously rides in the Century after recovering from a bicycle accident.
Representatives from the Sierra Cycling Foundation and the Mono Lake Committee gathered in Mammoth Lakes Saturday morning, February 3, to celebrate the success of the High Sierra Fall Century, a 100 mile cycling and fund raising event held September 16, 2000.
"Six years ago 30 cyclists rode in the first High Sierra Fall Century. In September, more than 700 riders traveled to the Eastern Sierra to participate in this phenomenal scenic tour," said Sam Mudie, president of the Sierra Cycling Foundation. "By promoting the recreational and environmental values of this region, the High Sierra Fall Century has truly become a major event on the western cycling calendar. Not only did the Century raise over $8,000 to be split between both organizations, this event also generated significant revenue for local businesses in the shoulder season following Labor Day. Everyone wins today."
Mudie and Mono Lake Committee Board Co-Chair Sally Gains congratulated each other before ceremoniously distributing event proceeds. "I love this event," beamed Gaines, "I love riding in it, and I love the fact that people from California, Nevada, Oregon and Arizona are making an annual pilgrimage to spend the weekend in the Mono Basin. To ride 100 miles along the spectacular Sierra Nevada with views of Mono Lake, the White Mountains, Adobe Valley, and the Wildrose Canyon with only one stop sign - people connect with this area, this natural resource. This is our goal. I'm elated to see this goal become reality."
The 2000 High Sierra Fall Century was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Mark Milford. Dr. Milford sustained fatal injuries in an auto accident while traveling from his home in the San Diego area en route to participate in the 1999 High Sierra Fall Century. Over 60 of Dr. Milford's friends and colleagues joined together in early 2000 planning to ride the High Sierra Fall Century in his memory. Many had never ridden a bicycle any distance before, let alone 100 miles. Dr. Tom Paluch organized the ride and a training program that lasted throughout the summer. Although the riders had widely varying cycling ability, they all met up at the last rest stop of the ride and rode as a unit to the finish, escorted by the Mono County Sheriff.
The Seventh Annual High Sierra Fall Century is scheduled for Saturday, September 15, 2001. For more information about becoming an event sponsor, rider or volunteer, contact Sierra Cycling Foundation Ride Director Jim DeGraffenreid at 760-934-2908 or Mono Lake Committee Event Coordinator Shannon Nelson at 760-647-6595.
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THE SIERRA CYCLING FOUNDATION (SCF) seeks to promote cycling and improve cycling conditions in the Eastern Sierra. SCF advocates safe and enjoyable cycling routes both on and off-road, and provides bicycle safety information and equipment to cyclists visiting and living in the Eastern Sierra.
THE MONO LAKE COMMITTEE (MLC) is a non-profit citizens' group dedicated to protecting and restoring the Mono Basin ecosystem, educating the public about Mono Lake and the impacts of excessive water use, and promoting cooperative solutions that protect Mono Lake and meet real water needs without transferring environmental problems to other areas.
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