2009 Dirt Classic

Each year, the Napa Valley Dirt Classic mountain bike race takes place on 22 miles of Pacific Union College's trails through its undeveloped property. Prizes include a purse to each first, second, and third finisher in male and female pro categories, and trophies to top finishers in all categories.

For the 2009 Dirt Classic, Aren Timmel took first place in the male pro category, finishing in 1 hour, 27 minutes, and 57 seconds. Katerina Nash came in first for the female pros, at 1 hour, 40 minutes, and 5 seconds. There were 469 racers who finished.

"It was a great day," race director and PUC professor of physical education Michael Hellie was glad to report. "We didn't have any large accidents."

PUC has been hosting an annual mountain bike race on its property since 1991. A NORBA (National Off-Road Biking Association) cross country race, the Dirt Classic offers riders hilly, smooth to medium-rough trails, service roads, and double track and single track, all through PUC's wooded property. Funds raised from the event benefit PUC recreational projects.