Marines

Photo Information

The 9-hour Cranky Monkey mountain bike race returned to Quantico for the sixth year, this time under new management by SCORE. Headed by retired Marine Kevin Adams, SCORE gives back all of the money made off entry fees after covering operating costs to the local trail system and bike club, which in this case is Marine Corps Base Quantico and Quantico Mountain Bike Club. Racers had the opportunity to compete in the 9-hour race alone or in a duo or trio, or they were able to compete in a shorter cross-country event.

Photo by Eve A. Baker

Cranky Monkey rides again!

1 May 2015 | Eve A. Baker Marine Corps Base Quantico


Saturday’s cooler weather and gray skies didn’t do much to dampen the enthusiasm for the sixth annual 9 Hours of Cranky Monkey mountain bike race aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. As of 20 minutes before the start, 180 racers were registered for the event, tents were set up and barbecue was on the grill. Dozens of volunteers were on-hand to ensure the event flowed smoothly, or as smoothly as a mountain bike race through the woods and over roots and rocks can be considered to go.

Under new management by Singletrack Cycling Open Registration Events, Inc. —more commonly known as SCORE to racers — the race was a family friendly event, with spectators and supporters camped out under tents near the starting area. Racers had the opportunity to compete in the 9-hour endurance event individually or in a duo or trio. For those not prepared for or interested in an all-day competition, there was a 9-mile cross country course that could be ridden once, twice or three times.

The members of Quantico Mountain Bike Club were out in force for the duration of the event and made a good showing at the podium. In the 9-hour endurance event, MCBQ Chief of Staff Col. Allen Broughton, Jennifer Lohmann Schmand and Kimani Nielsen took first place in the coed trio class. Taking second place in the male trio class were Air Force Lt. Col. Jim Long, Dave Schwietert and Cpl. Marek Mitchell. The third place male trio masters winners, who had a combined age of 120+ years, were Master Sgt. Darin Wink, Master Sgt. John Paul Cooley and Brian Balas. QMTB also performed well in the cross country race, with Matt Eggleton taking second place in his division and Rodd Kugler and Jose Torres taking third in their divisions.

The event attracted riders outside the area as well. Tres Riley of Fort Worth, Texas, competed in the 9-hour event solo as part of his fundraising efforts for Adventures for the Cure, an organization that helps children with diabetes in the U.S. and disabled children in Kenya.

David Kerr of Seneca, South Carolina, participated with other members of Team Tannery. Team Tannery participates in races to raise awareness of juvenile myelomoncytic leukemia, a rare form of blood cancer affecting children. Kerr said the team rides for Lachlan, a 2 ½-year-old boy with JMML, and that he is the best friend of Lachlan’s grandfather.

"We call it doing a ‘Lap for Lachlan,’" Kerr added.

SCORE was founded by retired Marine Maj. Kevin Adams with the goal of having fun races that "support the trail systems we race on." Adams said the proceeds from the race would be given to Quantico Mountain Bike Club and Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts to help maintain the trails aboard base and in the local area.

— Writer: ebaker@quanticosentryonline.com








Marine Corps Base Quantico