"Race To Respond" Cyclists Tackle Desert, High Winds
Cyclists Konstantin Kanelis (left) and Constantine "Dino" Davlantis ride into Utah. |
"Race to Respond" cyclists (from left) Konstantin Kanelis and Constantine "Dino" Davlantis ride on U.S. 50/6 through western Utah on Thursday, Aug. 22. |
Cyclist Alex Mazarakos battles the winds on U.S. 50/6 on the way to Nevada. |
Cyclist Alex Mazarakos (left) gets water from lead vehicle driver Lynn Angelus, wife of lead cyclist Jim Angelus, while cyclist Michael Tsakalos stops for some nourishment in the Utah desert. |
Cyclist Michael Tsakalos stops for some fuel in the Utah desert. |
Lead vehicle driver Lynn Angelus on U.S. 50/6 just after handing off water to a cyclist. |
Cyclist Michael Tsakalos stops for some fuel in the Utah desert. |
This sign at the border of Utah and Nevada states "Next Service 83 Miles," illustrating the remoteness of the region where the "Race to Respond" cyclists rode on Thursday, Aug. 22. |
Cyclists (from left) Konstantin Kanelis and Constantine "Dino" Davlantis ride past dry Sevier Lake in the eastern Utah desert on Aug. 22. Click here to see a larger photo. |
Baker, Nev. (IOCC) — High winds and desert conditions did not keep the cyclists of the "Race to Respond" from reaching their goal on Thursday, Aug. 22 - the state line of Utah and Nevada - or from continuing their race to bring hope to vulnerable people around the world.
Their ride on Day 20 of the 25-day cycling event took them from Nephi, Utah, to just outside Baker, Nev. On the route, they encountered the desert of eastern Utah, the dry Sevier Lake lakebed and the Confusion Range mountains.
"The wind was the hardest part," said cyclist Alex Mazarakos. The other cyclists agreed, noting that the climb through Confusion Range also was a challenge.
Support crew members kept the cyclists well-stocked throughout the day with fluids.
The cyclists have seven more days of riding to do - through Nevada and northern California. On Friday, Aug. 23, they will begin their journey down the "loneliest highway" in the country, U.S. 50 across Nevada.
An event at midday Friday is scheduled at St. Alexios Chapel in Ely, Nev. But that comes only after two significant climbs in the morning.
The volunteer cyclists are riding to raise awareness and support for International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). The goal of the race is to raise $250,000 for IOCC's humanitarian work.
To donate, call toll-free 877-803-4622 or visit the race Web site at www.racetorespond.org.
The race is presented by Advantage Plus Inc., makers of Ten Plus nutritional supplement drink.
