Grapes Of Wrath Bike Race

Turned Into A Day Of Family Fun

By Kendra Bobowick

MaryAnn Campbell sipped a red wine and listened to the folk sounds of local musicians The Adults drift across the lawn at McLaughlin Vineyards on Saturday, September 4. She and friends Dean and Lynn Yeager enjoyed the late summer afternoon’s picnic and Grapes of Wrath event, as mountain bikers of different skill levels rode the vineyards’ trails.

Straddling his knobby-tired ride was Shawn Keenan, who was not competing, but “just riding,” he said. He is a friend of event organizer Terrence Ford.

Also pausing to enjoy the sunny afternoon and bike race was Richard Contois, whose son Andre at that moment was still out on the course. Loving the sport he patted his bike: “This is 25 years old,” he said.

As children played Frisbee in the field and families gathered on blankets and waited their turn for grilled food, several mountain bikers rolled to a stop. Father and son Jonathan and Jack Ewert had finished a lap together.

 “It’s a technical course, with obstacles along the way,” confirmed Jonathan, who admitted that he is not an experienced rider, but was enjoying the day and the picnic. “This is a neat thing to do,” he said.

Wining the pot of $1,000 that day was Brian LaVierre, a racer for Cycle Craft of New Jersey.

The day saw 30 riders, said Mr Ford.

“This was a great success,” he said. “It’s a spectator and family day. The vineyards and trails were enjoyable,” he said. “It’s something new for Newtown and getting bigger and bigger.”