Local boy Rick Beach of Kapa‘a has been on a roll this summer. On July 4, he took first place in the Outlaw Powerline Trail Mountain Bike Race on Kaua‘i. Then on Aug. 27 he placed second in his division
Local boy Rick Beach of Kapa‘a has been on a roll this summer.
On July 4, he took first place in the Outlaw Powerline Trail Mountain Bike Race on Kaua‘i. Then on Aug. 27 he placed second in his division in the Cycle to the Sun Race up Haleakala on Maui.
“The Powerline Trail victory was particularly sweet after missing victory last year due to flatting while leading the race,” Beach said.
In the annual mountain bike race, riders navigate a rugged, 11-mile course against fierce competition.
Beach, 28, overcame a serious shoulder injury during training to compete in the Powerline and Cycle to the Sun races.
In addition to taking second in his division this past weekend on Maui, Beach also placed 13th overall, despite never competing in the race before.
Maui’s premier race, Cycle to the Sun is a grueling, 36-mile road race up the steepest road on earth to the summit of Haleakala. Starting at sea level, the course climbs 10,005 feet and involves more than 120 competitors.
Beach completed it in less than three hours, 25 minutes.
“This was one of the most painful things I’ve ever done and I can’t wait to do it again next year,” Beach said.
Three other Kaua‘i residents also competed in Cycle to the Sun: Leo McCarthy of Kalihiwai took first place in his division and 20th place overall; Ronald Langdon of Kilauea finished 14th in his division and 82nd overall; and Joseph Clark of Princeville finished 19th in his division and 81st overall.
Cycle to the Sun is an annual fund raiser for Ka Lima O Maui to provide job training and placement for disabled and disadvantaged adults.
For more information, visit www.cycletothesun.net.
