2009 75 Mile Results
|
2009 25 Mile Results
|
Phillip Prince finishes first at 8th Annual Benge’s Revenge Challenge
Congratulations to Phillip Prince of Wise, winner of the 2009 Benge’s Revenge Bicycle Challenge. Prince bested the field of 37 cyclists to take 1st place with a course time of 3:37:16, nearly three minutes better than last year’s winning time. With rain immediately preceding the event the determined riders were not to be deterred. The rain ended virtually at the start signal and held off throughout the 75 mile event. Don Fields from Prestonsburg, KY took second place thirty three seconds back. Bill Collie, Wise finished third at 3:38:30. Not only did Prince take the win, he also claimed the award for the 40+ division.
The cyclists left Norton, traveling a figure eight course through Appalachia, Big Stone Gap, and into Lee County before looping back through Keokee, up through the head of Powell Valley, returning to Norton. THEN the ride got interesting! The last two miles was a grueling 11 % grade climb past the legendary Benge’s Rock, with spikes up to 20%. It’s not called “Benge’s REVENGE” for nothing! Simply completing the run to the finish at Flag Rock Park is an achievement not all participants can claim.
A 25 mile course began and ended J.I. Burton High School with a loop through Appalachia, Big Stone Gap, and Powell Valley. Breannan Alderman completed the run in 1:22:34 for 1st Place, followed by David Rose and Bill Tilson.
In its eighth year, Benge’s Revenge was conceived and organized by the late Dink Shakelford and is sponsored annually by the Kiwanis Club of Norton. Monies raised through sponsors and entry fees goes towards Kiwanis children’s charities.