Sisters residents are cycling champions

What does a 28-year-old solar light technician, a nurse and mother of two children, and a 51-year-old regional healthcare developer all have in common? Each of these individuals live a seemingly standard day-to-day life, but on Sunday, May 31, they clicked into the pedals and lined up at the Sisters Stampede - and came away as first-place finishers.

The Sisters Stampede, in it's seventh year, has solidified itself in the community of recreational cyclists as the biggest weekend race in the state. Drawing from all corners of Oregon, 500 racers line up and take off in droves as they ascend Peterson Ridge, returning dusty-faced with smiles; high-fiving their fellow riders. The Stampede is an exhilarating ride and personal test of endurance and fortitude. The race is popular due to the charm of Sisters, the exquisite course, and the atmosphere of friendly competition.

On the morning of the race, Shawna Palanuk was adamant that this was just a ride for her, that her best races were behind her, and that whatever the results were, she was content.

Shawna is a mother of two, a student pursuing her second bachelor's degree, and a former professional mountain-bike racer who traded weekend racing for weekend lacrosse matches for her family.

Shawna is a very competitive person, who said that as a full-time racer she sacrificed time with friends and family and couldn't enjoy rides without a training benefit as the goal.

She has learned to lead a balanced life, and returned to the Stampede with one goal: to have fun, enjoy the atmosphere, and enjoy the race with her family.

She succeeded in this - and as a bonus, came away with a victory in her first race in several years.

Creed Siebel woke up Sunday morning of the race and made breakfast for his young son, just like any other morning. He strives to fulfill his duty as a father.

"Family time is very important to me," he said. "I remember as a child the way my dad made me breakfast, the time we had together, and that's why our mornings are precious."

He was a little embarrassed to admit to not having a training regimen. In fact in his four-day workweek, as a solar technician, Siebel worked 48 hours. His rides generally come before the sun crests the mountains, getting up at 5 a.m. and back by 7 a.m. for breakfast with the family.

It worked. He, too, took top honors in his race.

Barron Johnson moved to Central Oregon three years ago with limited mountain biking experience. In fact, he rode a mountain bike, but he had never actually been mountain biking. Barron said that he started mountain biking as an exploration of his new environment. He soon met others and it gave him new friendships.

Barron lined up for his first race at age 49, saying that it was social pressure from peers that pushed him to compete. Johnson runs with the Clydesdale category, a unique division that gives the bigger-built guys an opportunity to compete. This is a counter-culture in a sport that puts a premium on light weight.

"It is exactly what it sounds (like)," he said. "A race for the big guys."

Many people imagine the life of a citizen racer as a balance of training, nutrition, and time management. Consider, however, the profiles of our local champions: working long hours, being a mother and student, finding a new hobby and integrating into a new community activity.

These are the people we line up behind at the grocery store, the ones who have the same chaotic schedules, the ones looking after family and trying to run a business. These people may seem extraordinary when we see the results of a race, but away from the track they're more similar to the average citizen than the extreme athlete.

It just goes to show that a person can enjoy a hobby, be successful, and challenge themselves without drudgery and sacrifice.