Challengers from across the country took on the toughest hill in the sport for the 16th annual Poags Hole Hillclimb.
In what was a record-breaking year for attendance, a crowd of more than 10,000 enthusiastic spectators witnessed 22 brave riders take a shot in the Unlimited Class, while 20 battled in a two-at-a-time X-Climb at the Poags Hole hill Sunday.
Dansville’s own Chris VanHyning had to drop out due to acquiring a back injury while getting in some practice riding just two days before the race. Ken Long of Alberta, Canada also had to drop out due to an injury last week.
Longtime challenger, past champion and crowd favorite Tiger Strank announced his retirement during the event.
Unlimited champion this year was Harold Waddell, who also took third in the X-Climb.
Travis Whitlock, who took fifth in the Unlimited, was this year’s X-Climb champion.
In addition, Dansville Wrestling Club took in donations from a can drive. While a tally of how much money they raised isn't in yet, it is likely the club took in excess of $1,000. The following day, they hauled out three trailer loads of cans.
Dansville Central School superintendent Paul Alioto and EBH principal Jeremy Palotti were seen taking tickets and directing traffic. Once the race began, Alioto was one of other volunteers who donned a hard hat, hung on for dear life and dodged dirt and falling rock to help out near the top to assist riders on the hill.
Organizer Mike Mistretta said that the event wouldn't happen if it weren't for the volunteers, who are made up mostly of family and friends.
As for the record attendance, Mistretta chalked that up to perfect weather and stepping up the promotions as far as Harrisburg, Pa. and to Thousand Islands. For the past two years, attendance had been between 6,000 and 7,000 due to rain. During better weather, attendance averaged around 8,000 and 9,000.
Challengers from across the country took on the toughest hill in the sport for the 16th annual Poags Hole Hillclimb.
In what was a record-breaking year for attendance, a crowd of more than 10,000 enthusiastic spectators witnessed 22 brave riders take a shot in the Unlimited Class, while 20 battled in a two-at-a-time X-Climb at the Poags Hole hill Sunday.
Dansville’s own Chris VanHyning had to drop out due to acquiring a back injury while getting in some practice riding just two days before the race. Ken Long of Alberta, Canada also had to drop out due to an injury last week.
Longtime challenger, past champion and crowd favorite Tiger Strank announced his retirement during the event.
Unlimited champion this year was Harold Waddell, who also took third in the X-Climb.
Travis Whitlock, who took fifth in the Unlimited, was this year’s X-Climb champion.
In addition, Dansville Wrestling Club took in donations from a can drive. While a tally of how much money they raised isn't in yet, it is likely the club took in excess of $1,000. The following day, they hauled out three trailer loads of cans.
Dansville Central School superintendent Paul Alioto and EBH principal Jeremy Palotti were seen taking tickets and directing traffic. Once the race began, Alioto was one of other volunteers who donned a hard hat, hung on for dear life and dodged dirt and falling rock to help out near the top to assist riders on the hill.
Organizer Mike Mistretta said that the event wouldn't happen if it weren't for the volunteers, who are made up mostly of family and friends.
As for the record attendance, Mistretta chalked that up to perfect weather and stepping up the promotions as far as Harrisburg, Pa. and to Thousand Islands. For the past two years, attendance had been between 6,000 and 7,000 due to rain. During better weather, attendance averaged around 8,000 and 9,000.
