KOKE‘E — Michelle Scamahorn, wife of Wilcox Emergency Department physician Dr. James Scamahorn, set a new Pedal to the Meadow record Saturday as Pedal to the Meadow race producer Mary Williamson.
“Michelle stoked a tandem bicycle with Eric Seymour, a friend of theirs visiting from Colorado,” Williamson said. “They broke the race’s previous tandem record by about 30 minutes after crossing the finish line at 2 hours, 47.5 seconds.”
Another record, the number of men age 70 and over was also set when the field of seven riders in the age division was paced by Rolly Rull of the Philippine Island Hawai‘i Island club who crossed the line at 1:45:29.3. There was one rider in the age group that did not finish.
“The field for the mens 70-plus was the largest to date,” Williamson said. “It included two riders who are 79 this year. Pretty soon, we may have to add an 80-plus category. It is an impressive effort at any age, but these guys are inspiring to all.”
More than 60 riders took off from Kekaha for the uphill climb ending at the Koke‘e meadow in the 12 Annual Pedal to the Meadow event.
Carl Nethercutt of Velohana Cycling Team tackled the hill on a 1:09.28.3 pedal to claim overall winner honors chased by Ray Brust of BME, age 61, just six seconds back at 1:09:34.5.
“Carl and Ray, both from O‘ahu, have battled for first and second place over the years,” Williamson said.
Jen Jones-Patulli of Lihu‘e claimed First Woman to Finish when she rolled across the line 23rd overall on a 1:38:45.4 climb.
Joshua Dubois, finishing fourth overall, was the First Kaua‘i rider to climb the mountain at 1:13:19.4, three places ahead of Michael Moule who finished seventh overall on a 1:22.10.6 ride.
‘This event would not be possible without the many excellent volunteers who kept everyone safe, hydrated, fed, and entertained with music and fun signs,” Williamson said. “A big mahalo to the businesses that supported the event with funds, donations, and contributing prizes.”
The Pedal to the Meadow is the USA Cycling-sanctioned bicycle hill climb presented by Bicycle Racing Kaua‘i. Starting in Kekaha, the nearly 16-mile climb to an elevation of 3,835 feet from sea level climbs along the Waimea Canyon rim to the Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow in the Koke‘e State Park. Info: pedaltothemeadow.com.
