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coaster | profile | all galleries >> Bicycles >> Fargo Street Hillclimb, March 20, 2005 tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Fargo Street Hillclimb, March 20, 2005

The annual Fargo Street Hillclimb, sponsored by the Los Angeles Wheelmen, was a great success this year as close to 90 riders attempted to climb Los Angeles' steepest street. Most people would not dream of riding up this hill on a bicycle even one time, but about 2/3 of this group of riders made it up the hill to earn their patch.

This year, an incredible battle developed between two enormously strong riders, Sean Baritlet and Dave Wyman. For 13 years, Dave held the record with 26 climbs in one day, but Sean broke the record last year with 30 climbs!

Dave was stronger than ever this year, at age 57. Incredibly, he made 33 climbs! At that point, he was tied with Sean. Sean went on to make another climb and set the new record of 34 successful attempts.

Neither rider was out of gas at that point--they're both in tremendous shape--but Dave was content to shatter his personal best, top last year's record and hold the record, however briefly, once again.

Another great rider took part in the action. Sam Chin made an unbelievable 22 ascents of Fargo Street. Sam, age 20, has been riding a bike for only six months. He grew up on top of a ridge, one canyon away from Fargo. Sam never owned a bike because of the difficulty of riding in the 'hood! Sam Chin may be unstoppable next year.

It was an amazing day on the hill, one which will be remembered for a long time.

All cyclists are encouraged to come out to ride this hill next year, or just watch the action. Please visit the Los Angeles Wheelmen site at lawheelmen.org for additional information.
Spectators and riders gathered at the bottom of the hill
Spectators and riders gathered at the bottom of the hill
Riders signed up while others waited to ride
Riders signed up while others waited to ride
Dave Wyman, going straight up
Dave Wyman, going straight up
Andrea Clemons, one of two women riders to reach the top
Andrea Clemons, one of two women riders to reach the top
Andrea Clemons, nearing the top
Andrea Clemons, nearing the top
Sean Bartilet on one of his many ascents
Sean Bartilet on one of his many ascents
Watch out for that cactus!
Watch out for that cactus!
THAT is steep
THAT is steep
Dave Wyman, Sean Bartilet, Sam Chin
Dave Wyman, Sean Bartilet, Sam Chin
Two champions
Two champions
Dave, with Sam close behind
Dave, with Sam close behind
Ivan Pang going solo on his tandem
Ivan Pang going solo on his tandem
A relaxed Sam Chin
A relaxed Sam Chin
A lot of hill left
A lot of hill left
Dave pulling hard near the top of the hill
Dave pulling hard near the top of the hill
Dave at the summit
Dave at the summit
Sean lookin' good
Sean lookin' good
Dave, Sean and Sam on the hill
Dave, Sean and Sam on the hill
Gramps Doug Kubler made it ten times!
"Gramps" Doug Kubler made it ten times!
Ivan Pang with C.O.B. (cookies on board)
Ivan Pang with C.O.B. (cookies on board)
Yeah, free Red Bull for everyone!
Yeah, free Red Bull for everyone!
The coveted Fargo Street Hillclimb patch
The coveted Fargo Street Hillclimb patch
Dave (with iPOD) at the bottom, looking up
Dave (with iPOD) at the bottom, looking up
Dynamic duo, with spotter
Dynamic duo, with spotter
Ivan Pang and Jason Wyman going up (they made it)
Ivan Pang and Jason Wyman going up (they made it)
Dave, Sam and Sean on the hill with Eric Ostendorff near Dave on the left
Dave, Sam and Sean on the hill with Eric Ostendorff near Dave on the left
Going for it on a road bike
Going for it on a road bike
A triumphant Dave gets his personal best
A triumphant Dave gets his personal best
A little rest for the King of the Mountain.
A little rest for the "King of the Mountain."
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