Mountain biking 70 miles at the Age of 70? Local Area Mountain Bikers Set Upon an Ambitious Quest

A less common view of Mt. Saint Helens

In August of 2010, mountain biker Jim Lemonds set out to make his 60th birthday one to remember. He planned an epic day of mountain biking, with the goal of riding one mile for every year on that birthday cake. It wasn’t enough to pedal out 60 miles of pavement, gravel or mellow trail though; it had to be real mountain biking.

Selecting a route that consisted of four different trails, he and a team of supporting riders planned out the logistics in getting to the start and finish of each trail, as well as keeping hydrated and fueled for a long day on the bike.

Each of the planned routes are ridden by local riders as separate rides, with a few of them considered “epic” on their own. Linking them all necessitated months of planning and training to ensure he was in the physical condition with the endurance required to complete the mission set upon.

After months of training, Lemonds completed the full day of riding with 63.4 miles logged.

Jim Lemonds is best known in the local MTB community for his efforts in organizing build and trail events at a somewhat secret riding area near Longview, Washington called Growlers Gulch. (Photo from a build party in 2010)

70 MTB Miles at 70

This year Lemonds turns 70, and has set his sights again on completing another memorable achievement; with his friend Bob Horness (who is also turning 70) they’re planning another epic challenge, with an additional 10 miles added to the previous for a goal of 70 for 70.

A hike-a-bike section on a ride with the GG crew somewhere on the backside of Mt. St Helens

Looking to do the ride on local area single track is a logistical challenge, and the route they’ve chosen for themselves is an ambitious endeavor that consists of three rides, that once again are considered major routes on their own.