150 Bikers Welcomed to Warda Time Trail Race
Mountain bike racers from Texas and Louisiana were very enthusiastic this past Sunday, June 28, as the Bluff Creek Ranch in Warda held their Back to the Future Warda Time Trial. This is a USA Cycling Association sanctioned racing event. The event was limited to 150 bikers and sold out in just 3 days.
The event was named “Back to the Future” since the ranch just recently sold and the race name reflects the celebrating of the past, and the passing of the ranch over to the new owners and their future at Bluff Creek Ranch.
The race trail is an 8.5-mile course that winds through the 148-acre property. The racers race against the clock and not each other. The starts were staggered at thirty seconds between starts, thus accommodating social distancing.
Some of the racers camp outdoors at the ranch, and there is also an area where many stayed overnight in their RVs. Several racers stayed in hotels in Giddings and La Grange.
Racer David Campbell of Lakeway said he is very excited about the new owners, Breck and Jeannine Powers, and are so pleased they are continuing the event.
David Cervera, with Sugar Cycles of Houston, has been riding at the ranch since 1991 and likes that it’s a one-lap sprint.
Braden, another racer, quickly commented before taking off that this is his first year racing. He did the race here in January and was excited to come back.
Elora Walkup, who is ten years old, was enthusiastically awaiting her start time. She just started mountain biking this year and is already the TMBRA State Campion in her age classification of ten and under. Walkup was the 2019 State Champion for BMX age ten and under. She also runs cross country and will be running in the Wild Hare Race on Nov. 21, also at Bluff Creek Ranch. The November running race encompasses four different races: a 10K, 25K, 50K and a 50-mile race.
The racers at Sunday’s race were all smiles as they crossed the finish line. After three months of no racing, they were so glad to be out racing and testing their mountain bike handling and speed skills.
The winners were: Group A - Joel Carroll; Group B - Richard Lamb; Group C - Arturo Olmos; Women’s Division - Haley Smith; Junior Division - Mitchell Duque.
Following the race, there was a raffle of bicycle-related equipment and prizes for the participants. The race promoter, Scott Schaefer, who has been promoting races at Bluff Creek Ranch since 1997, thanked Dr. Paul and Susan Nolan for hosting mountain biking events at the ranch for the last 28 years. Schaefer also thanked Breck and Jeannne Powers, the new owners for carrying on a great tradition.
The Nolans are retiring to Angel Fire, New Mexico with frequent visits back to Texas to visit their children and grandchildren.
Cancelled/Postponed Events
Camp Lone Star has cancelled their annual BBQ fundraiser at the end of July. Watch for more information on their “By Faith” fundraising campaign coming soon.
Events Still On
Bible Study meets at Holy Cross every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Contact Cyndy Zoch at cyndy.zoch@gmail.com for more information.
The sewing circle at Holy Cross is planning on resuming on Thursday, July 9, at 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join them.
Holy Cross Services
Services at Holy Cross Lu theran are on Sundays at 9 a.m. Bible Class follows the Sunday morning service.
Sermon links/streaming videos and additional information is on the website at www.holycrosswarda.com.
Sunday School Zoom
Sunday school for kids is now being conducted via Zoom every Sunday at 1 p.m. If you’d like to join in on their afternoon Zoom class, please contact Patty Schulze at (512) 914-5748.
Faith Lutheran High School
Faith Lutheran High School’s July office hours will be from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.
The school understands the seriousness of COVID-19 and is confident that their school environment, small class size and safety precautions will enable them to be back on campus full-time in August. A detailed plan is currently being revised in preparation for August.
New student registration for 2020-2021 is underway. Contact FLHS at (979) 242-2889 to learn more.
AMEN Food Pantry
Holy Cross continues to be a drop-off point for the AMEN Food Pantry in La Grange. You can drop off nonperishable food items in the designated basket in the hallway at your convenience.
Aluminum Cans
There is a large wire collection bin at the picnic grounds for you to drop off your aluminum cans. The funds benefit the Trail Life 143 of Giddings.
Recycle Trailer
Recycling is collected at the Warda Self Storage facility. A trailer with designated bins is there for your convenience.
Stamps
The ladies at Holy Cross collect cancelled postage stamps. The stamps are sold in bulk to collectors. If you have any stamps, they can be dropped off in a collection box in the hallway of the church.
Prayer Requests
J.C. Kaiser, William Jurk, Tommy Swearingen, Lorie Lehmann, Amy Wagner, Reedy Schwartz, Eugene Zoch, Wesley Cervenka, Annie Mae Fick and Bobby Ploog.
Birthdays
Birthday wishes are extended to the following celebrants: Leslie Hobratschk and Jack Burgess II - July 2; Allene Schramm – 4; Kinlee Kays – 6; August Martin – 7; Al Jurk and Kortlynd Schramm – 8; and Carter Swearingen - 10.
Anniversaries
Anniversary wishes are extended to the following couples: Ryan and Tiffany Noack - July 1; Zane and Frances Gray – 6; and Paul and Jeanette Schramm - 8.
Have News?
If you have news items to share with readers of the Warda news, contact Lisa Gay at (979) 218-6000 or Wardanews78960@gmail.com.