Biking to the extreme

The success of the inaugural Cyclebration bike festival held throughout Folsom over the weekend can be measured in many ways.The early returns from city leaders and residents have been positive, and if the number of participants double for next year's event, it will be proof positive that the event was a hit.Folsom Parks and Recreation Director Robert Goss came up with the idea last year, and through the work of numerous branches of the city government, the event came to fruition."It was virtually an unqualified success," Goss said. "From the community, the riders and the racers that came out, it was truly amazing."In terms of participation, every event but one exceeded the numbers we expected to have."Goss, however, did acknowledge that some were not happy with the traffic congestion caused by Sunday's road closures for the Two Bridges Circuit Race."I appreciate people's patience with the traffic congestion," Goss said. "Next year it will be much easier when Folsom Lake Crossing is open."Goss estimated that more than 1,000 riders participated in at least one of the 11 events. There were also quite a few spectators throughout the weekend."One of the podium finishers during the Masters division in the Two Bridges Circuit Race said this was his 52nd race this year and this was the second-largest crowd," Goss said."We definitely created a buzz in the cycling community in Northern California."Folsom residents and biking enthusiasts Jeff and Lori Scheel, who just a few weeks ago helped stage the third-annual Ride for a Reason charity ride, enjoyed the bicycle weekend in Folsom.They watched some of the mountain bike time trial on Friday night and also visited the Fam Jam Freeride. On Saturday they participated in the Gold Rush Century ride and also watched the Cyclocross racing at Negro Bar. On Sunday they took in some of the Two Bridges Circuit Race as well."For a first-time event, it was a pretty amazing weekend," Jeff said. "The Fam Jam was pretty cool and there were lots of families there.""It was a blast," Lori said. "Watching the cyclocross is always a fun event."This (event) will define Folsom eventually. There's something for everyone if they want to ride or race or to watch. I hope the community embraces it."Jason Moeschler of Nevada City attended the Fam Jam on Friday night and was impressed."For the first year, they've got a good turnout and certainly a lot of good talent that's for sure," Moeschler said. "That guy just did a tailwhip 360. That's incredible."George Stephenson, who organized the Fam Jam event at Cummings Park on Friday, was thrilled with the turnout."I couldn't ask for more," Stephenson said. "We had 300 to 400 spectators and about 80 riders and we weren't expecting that many."We had some of the best BMX freestyle riders from as far away as Southern California. It was really cool to see that caliber of rider at our local event."