We made the newspaper!!!

Yesterday, We went up to York to see Mark ride or should I say finish the York 38 Special. Rylie caught the attention of the photographer and ended up in the newspaper's City/State section. She had made her very own flag to wave at the riders as they finished. You can just see Rori's stroller on the far right of the photo.

Saturday morning special

By JOHN HARRINGTON, Independent Record - 08/24/08

Lisa Kunkel, IR staff photographer - Four-year-old Rylie Schoenfeld of East Helena cheers on her dad, Mark, as he crosses the finish line of the York 38 Special mountain-bike race Saturday afternoon in York. Also cheering is Christa Schoenfeld, center, who celebrated her birthday at the race. What a difference a cool summer makes.

While last year’s York 38 Special mountain bike ride was threatened for weeks by the Meriwether fire before finally getting the green light from the forest service three days before the event, this year’s 38-mile ride was never in doubt.

Close to 175 riders took to the roads and trails northeast of Helena Saturday morning under a brilliant blue sky in the fifth annual fundraiser for the York Volunteer Fire Department.

Among them was Mark Schoenfeld of East Helena, who completed his second 38 Special in exactly three hours and was greeted at the finish line by his cheering wife, Christa, and daughter, Rylie.

“I was a little more prepared this year as far as where the climbs were and where the

downhills were,” he said. It’s a grueling ride, he said, but knowing what awaits helps keep the pedals turning.

“The end’s the best part — the family and the York burger,” free to every rider at the York Bar, he said.

Rhodetta Sloan of York, who organized the first ride in 2004 and oversees the annual event, said that after last year’s fire season, she’s mindful of the weather.

“We’re always a little bit on eggshells about fire,” she said. “When there was a fire (earlier in the week) in Townsend, we were hoping there wouldn’t be any smoke here.”

But rather than smoke, riders were greeted by cool temperatures and clear skies. Officials said 144 riders took to the course for the 38-mile ride, with four signed up for the Spirit of 76 (twice around the course), and 10 kids with chaperones taking part in the Lucky 13, a 13-mile ride new this year for the younger set.

Those going the 38 miles included several over the age of 70 and five kids under 12, organizers said. Several states were represented in the field, including Idaho, Utah, California and Indiana.

Many local riders use the Special as an end-of-summer event to train for throughout the season.

That was the case for Jamie Lemieux of Clancy, who rode for the third straight year and finished in her best time.

“I was under four hours, and that was my goal,” she said immediately after crossing the line.

The 38 Special has a reputation among riders for strong volunteer support throughout the challenging 38-mile course, which includes some 3,000 feet in elevation gain. This year’s ride lived up its reputation, with a half-dozen aid stations stocked with fruit, baked goods, drinks, medical personnel and help with bike repairs.

“This is my first time, and I can’t thank them enough for all the time they put into this,” said Brice Addison of Great Falls, who rode with several friends. “It seems like the whole town comes together for it. You can’t just go out and do a 40-mile ride in the mountains without support.”

After passing through Nelson, riders followed Beaver Creek Road and climbed steadily to Indian Flats before descending to the head of Trout Creek Canyon. The single-track through the canyon left impressions on several riders, including Paul Ferry of Helena, who recovered from a tumble in the canyon to finish with a smile on his face.

“I took a header,” he said. “It woke me up a little and reminded me I’d better slow down.”

Reporter John Harrington: 447-4080 or john.harrington@helenair.com.