Bikes were tuned and chains were taut as cyclists gathered at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory for the first annual Space Race Rumpus last weekend.

Hundreds of miles were logged as cyclists rode tours around the NRAO and county. The bravest riders took part in the Cyclocross race Saturday. Consisting of a rough and tumble track ﾖ complete with obstacles ﾖﾠ around the 140-foot telescope, the race pitted participants against wet grass, andﾠ rocky and hilly terrain.

Also included in the event were clinics provided by Kristy Lanier, owner of Dirtbean Ohana and award winning cyclist, and Joey and Mandi Riddle, owners of Joeyﾒs Bike Shop, in Elkins.

Entertainment was provided by local band Stony Bottom Bluegrass Boys, Harrisonburg based The Steel Wheels, and the Elm Street Alley Cats, of Elkins.

Winners of the Cyclocross event were:

Kidﾒs Division: first place, Iam Johnston; second place, Emma Vass; third place, Emily Wilfong; and fourth place, Alex Smith.

Womenﾒs Division: first place, Christine Jones; second place, Allyson Andrews; and third place, Linda Vass.

Menﾒs Division: first place, Melvin Dolan; second place, David Huber; and third place, Butch Wirt.

Menﾒs Elite Division: first place, Mikey Valach; second place, Jason Charcalla; and third place, David Frayer.