High Sierra Fall Century Ride

Taking the Challenge with Mind and Spirit

Terry Smutney, (sitting on the hand cycle); Steve Ganong, with Sierra Cycling Foundation (on the bicycle); Robin Conners, DSES Fund Developer, and John Armstrong, from Eastside Velo, stand ready to tackle the High Sierra Fall Century Ride. Smutney will enter his hand cycle, the first-of-its-kind, in the 100-mile race, and he will represent the Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES) program as the team leader

The High Sierra Fall Century Ride attracts many of the finest cycling athletes from around the state, and locally, the draw of resident riders is huge. This year is no exception, except for the single-handed efforts of Terry Smutney, the Team Captain of the Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra program. His entry in the Fall Century Ride is unique and unprecedented in the race's history: Smutney will enter on a Quickie-Shark hand cycle with pedals.

This bike will allow those with lower limb impairment the enjoyment of cycling the beautiful Sierra, said Robin Connors, DSES Fund Development Coordinator. The bike will, perhaps for the first time, permit disabled individuals with the chance to see the Sierra and provide great upper body exercise. The bike will be christened at Whitmore Ballpark on Sept. 10, and the public is invited to see this special entry, up close and personal.

Smutney had help with the bike's acquisition through Eastside Velo, a local bike club, and Sierra Cycling Foundation, a local cycling advocacy group founded in 1983 to promote safe cycling. SCF promotes cycling safety training for children, mandatory helmet laws, and safer road conditions by working with the local transportation commissions, Mono County, Cal Trans, the Town of Mammoth Lakes along with state and national bicycle advocacy groups.

The Mammoth Lakes Parks and Recreation Department, Mammoth Lakes Police Department, and other town agencies contributed to the successful purchase of the unique cycle.

Connors said Smutney has been an inspiration to everyone involved in the project, and the former Gulf War veteran is taking pledges around town before the race. Connors said the public could contribute to the DSES programs by contacting 760.934.0791 or by visiting their web site at www.disabledsportseasternsierra.org.

The Sierra Cycling Foundation heads up the Fall Century Ride, and the race covers 100 miles of Mono County highways and back roads. The race starts near the Green Church, on U.S. Highway 395, and winds its way around the Mono Craters to the Benton area, and then crosses over passes to finish at the Whitmore Fields. It's a long ride and for Smutney, the goal is to get about 25 to 30 miles of pedaling done. Then he'll be relieved by others from the DSES team, and continue to the end.

Other athletes from disabled programs will ride the Century, including Phil Cardan, Ken Kline, and John Armstrong. DSES Executive Director, Kathy Copeland, also plans to push her self and her bike around the course.

Smutney, who lives in Crowley Lake, has come along way in his goals, said Conners. "He's come farther than some," she added. "We're all just glad he's with us." Conners noted Smutney had a "new lease on life," and she was delighted with his progress since the mono ski days on the Mountain. Smutney's inspiration for the ride came with a local magazine article. He saw the potential of his own dreams in someone else's struggle and success, and decided the time has come to take the pedals by the hands, push ahead and go the distance.

Smutney is looking for pledges for each mile the DSES team rides, and he'll be more than delighted to answer any questions you have while he rides around in Town.

For more information about the High Sierra Fall Century Ride, log on to www.fallcentury.org.

Click Here for some pictures from the ride.