Faces of Eastern Iowa: Lisbon's Schultz gets a kick out of climbing

In the world of dirt bike motorcycling, summer is hill climbing season.

And one person who can feel a special twinge for that is Wade Schultz from Lisbon. That's because since 1968, the Schultz family has putting together and running the “Anamosa Hill Climb.”

Twice a year, motorcyclists from all over the Midwest show up at on a patch of land, just off Highway 151, to test their equipment and mettle as they battle a 160-feet, 70-degree hill.

And 42-year-old Wade hasn't missed any.

“I've been going to the climbs since I was born,” Schultz said. “In 1968 my dad started running the event, and I took over after that. I've been around this my whole life.”

The idea of the competition is simple. Ride a motorcycle up the hill as fast you can, with the best times winning the event. Though it may sound simple, but it's not.

“I'd say about 60 percent of the riders don't make it up,” Schultz said.

There were 106 riders at this year's event, all riding motorcycles 370 cc and above.

“We get some injuries, but not as many as you would think,” Schultz said. “I liken it to football. You are aware that it can happen, and it does, but more often than not, there aren't that many.”

The next event is scheduled for Sept. 9. You can bet Schultz will be there.

“It takes a lot of great people to put on an event like this,” he said. “I hope to be part of it for another 42 years.”

If you have an idea for a Faces of Eastern Iowa story, contact Jeff Hare at hare486@aol.com