City of Twentynine Palms hosts 4th Annual Park-2-Park Bike Ride

Twentynine Palms -- The 4th Annual Park-2-Park bike ride took place April 28, 2018.

The event, which included 68 participants, began at Knott’s Sky Park in Twentynine Palms, Calif., and took the riders through Joshua Tree National Park, Calif., for a 52-mile full course. The trail included a 3,000 ft. climb in elevation, and challenged its riders by the constant and steady incline, flattening halfway through with high wind resistance. For the families of those taking part in the main challenge that Park-2-Park has been known for, there was the Family Fun Ride which was a less-intense 7-mile ride at a later time, and a Bike Rodeo for the younger children.

“Park-2-Park is an important event because it gets families out to enjoy Earth Day,” said Randy Councell, community service director, City of Twentynine Palms. “The event has a lot of new additions this year to incorporate the rider’s families. The city of Twentynine Palms is doing a lot to bring the community together, and we’re always looking for ways to further that goal.”

Though the ride itself was difficult, its participants expressed how rewarding it was to finish the race.

“I’ve been training for this for the past six months, and it’s still tough,” said Rick Lamelin, retired sergeant major. “You’re going as fast as you can for more than 50 miles, and the first half is this insane incline, then the second half levels out into flat plains with intense winds. It’s well worth it when you finish.”

Many were return-participants, enjoying the ride for the reasons it exists.

“This is my third year participating,” said Staff Sgt. Berek Krehmeier, communication maintenance chief, Communication Logistics Battalion 7. “I love coming out here and doing this because I get to hang out with my friends and family and see the city operate. It’s a good time spent every year.”