CLEARFIELD – Curwensville native Bret Baronak traveled all the way from Florida to win the inaugural Tour de Susquehanna bicycle race Sunday, leading a field of 57 competitors ranging in age from 14 to 72 years old.
Organizers and participants lauded the event, which benefits Habitat for Humanity of Clearfield County, for drawing such a large response.
\”For the first year, this is phenomenal. I was hoping for 30 riders. They all said they loved the course and most said they\’d be back next year,\” said race chairman Mike Butler.
The tour is a long time goal for Butler, who has participated in HFHCC\’s sister race, King of the Mountain, since its premier five years ago and is now on the KOM planning committee. An avid cyclist, he said he wanted to organize an event that would raise funds for Habitat and showcase his hometown.
\”Mike\’s a spark plug. He really pulled this together and we\’re lucky to have him,\” noted HFHCC President John Farr, also an avid bicycle racer.
King of the Mountain, a time trial up Rockton Mountain, is slated for Oct. 8.
Numerous faces familiar to King of the Mountain were seen at the tour alongside cyclists who prefer road racing, noted registration volunteer Cathy Farr. Participants came from throughout Pennsylvania, as far away as Erie, Pittsburgh and South Williamsport, she reported.
Baronak finished the 21.5-mile route from Clearfield to Glen Richey and back via Curwensville in just over 56 minutes. His road to victory was almost blocked when his bike was delayed in Philadelphia during the trip north.
\”It got here in the nick of time but there was a lot of stress waiting for it,\” he said.
HFHCC recently dedicated its eighth new home in DuBois; construction of the next Clearfield project should begin soon.
The Tour de Susquehanna was sponsored by County National Bank and Mike\’s Barber Shop.