By Alicia Lacy
Killeen Daily Herald

FORT HOOD – Fighting against the elements, more than 600 cyclists braved the rain and cold temperatures for the two-day Fort Hood Challenge state championship race at Fort Hood.

For the last bike race of the season, the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Bureau and The Racing Post hosted their first race at the Army post on the only closed course in the state, which attracted many of the state's avid cyclists.

Andy Hollinger from The Racing Post said Saturday's races brought more racers to Copperas Cove than the city has seen.

"Copperas Cove is Texas' most bike-friendly city and they've hosted the state race here for the last three or four years," Hollinger said. "With the help of Fort Hood, the best part is the total enclosure. More than 200 came in the last six weeks to pre-ride the course."

All training on post ceased for the two days the race was held, allowing for the roadways to be cleared of traffic for the cyclists. Fort Hood's civilian and military police and game wardens provided security for the race site to ensure no vehicles were on the course.

Col. Bill Hill, garrison commander, said Fort Hood has a unique ability to host the race because of the roads and the community partnership.

Many of the cyclists who have never traversed the course weren't ready for the frequent climbs and the challenges the hills provided.

Sheri Rothe of Austin said the 33-mile course was the most challenging course she's ridden.

"This one is miserable," said Rothe, who has been cycling for six years. "It's way hillier than most races. There's more climbing than Fort Davis."

On his 11th race, Mike Mitcham of North Richland Hills, who's only been racing for six weeks, said the race was the hardest he's done.

"It's really hilly and hard, harder than the national race," said Megan Baab, 16, of Fort Worth.

However, a few racers enjoyed the challenge the course presented.

A 35-year veteran in the sport, Larry Rairden of Bellaire, said, "This is an excellent course, the best course I raced on in Texas. It's just unfortunate we had the rain today."

"It was a great challenge," he added.

Jake Boone of Hurst, who started cycling last May, said, "It was amazing. I loved the climbs, and I liked not having to worry about cars cutting in."

The race helped fill up hotels, restaurants and shops in Copperas Cove.

All access points to the race site were closed off, other than the intersection of Farm-to Market 116 and Elijah Road. To get to the site, racers had to travel through Copperas Cove.

"It's a good and positive thing for the city, and it's bringing people to the city," said Betty Price, Chamber of Commerce vice president.

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