GREENFIELD, NH — August 17^th was picture perfect weather for the second edition of the Hampshire 100, a premier endurance mountain bike race benefiting Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center. More than 120 participants from New England, New York, and even Canada came to enjoy the challenge of riding 100 kilometers of back roads, trails, and single track through six towns surrounding Crotched Mountain.

This year's event added a special challenge. A bridge under construction required a 3 mile detour, meaning the course was nearly 66 miles long. In spite of this, racers were still able to manage the course, and cross the finish line with smiles.

First to complete the course this year was Harry Precourt, an elite rider from Sudbury, Massachusetts, with a finish time of 6 hours 10 minutes. Harry remained within a lead group of elite riders over the initial part of the course, but then managed to distance himself from the group on the hilly second half. The first woman participant to finish was local rider, Kathy Evans from Concord, New Hampshire, with a time of 8 hours 15 minutes.

Committed participants included the rider who finished the course, even after his bike seat broke off half way through the ride. And the rider who competed, within weeks of heart surgery. Also the rider new to mountain biking, who raced for the first time and finished first in their division. Nearly all managed to "find the fiddler," who returned again this year, and was on course, creating musical inspiration as participants rode past.

All participants raved about both the course and the volunteers. The course traversed approximately 50 private properties, with access generously allowed by the local landowners in support of the event. Of the 70 volunteers who assisted with the many trail crossings and feed stations 20 were staff and students from Crotched Mountain. The participants were wowed by the constant support, smiles, and words of encouragement.

Even those contestants who were closer to the 12 hour completion time stated---although the challenges were significant, it was a great event, the volunteers were awesome, the cause – Crotched Mountain Programs and Services – was worthy, and they will be back next year.

Crotched Mountain is a charitable organization employing nearly 900 people. Its mission is to serve individuals with disabilities and their families, embracing personal choice and development, and building communities of mutual support. Crotched Mountain provides specialized education, rehabilitation, community, and residential support services for more than 2,000 consumers, including individuals with disabilities and the elderly, living in New England and New York . For more information about Crotched Mountain please visit their web site: www.crotchedmountain.org.