Rain challenging for mountain bikers

By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
June 24, 2002
With slippery conditions, the mountain bike competition for the State Games of Mississippi saw riders having to exercise even more skill than usual.
Some 38 competitors attacked the woods and hills of the Bonita Lakes course on Sunday morning.
Event commissioner Tom Martin was pleased with both the turnout and skill shown by the competitors.
The bikers were divided into three classes, with expert being the best. The next class was the sport division followed by the beginners.
One of the top local racers was 31-year-old Johnny Joiner. Joiner took first in his age bracket in the sport division. The sport division did two laps, covering a distance of 10 miles.
Ed Bishop, 43, is another Meridian racer who took home a gold in his age group.
Alex Chatman, 30, of Jackson saw mountain bike on television during the 1996 Olympics.
A lot of the cost is the bike itself. It must be rugged but quick in order to handle the pounding.
One of the youngest competitors was Krissa Both. Both, who is of dutch origin, was born in Bethleham, South Africa/