Hill is the thrill for bikers who make the Climb

ANAMOSA - The vibe was more county fair than sporting event. But this isn't your ordinary sporting event.

The 63rd annual Anamosa Motorcycle Hill Climb drew people from all over the Midwest. Spectators dressed in Harley Davidson gear and bandannas watched as riders raced their Kawasakis, Hondas and other motorcycles up the hill, trying not to tumble over backward. Vendors lined the event, selling lemonade shakers and leather chaps.

Men and women, as young as 6 and as old as 70, try to record the fastest run up the hill to win cash prizes and bragging rights.

The hill is mean: it's 200 feet tall with a steep slope that chews up and spits out even the best riders. Each competitor gets two shots at it.

Wade Schultz, 42, and his family have been organizing the event since 1968.

"A good start at the base of the hill and momentum is the key to hill climbing," said Schultz, who competes in the event. "Bigger bikes are not necessarily easier. Sometimes more power will help; sometimes more power will get you in trouble."

Some riders are seasoned veterans who run different size bikes in different classes. Others are amateurs who are still learning the basics.

"There's a lot of people that run multiple bikes, and there are a number that run only one bike," Schultz said. "It depends on how deep your wallet is. And how many toys your wife will let you have."

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Hank Smith, 10, is one of the youngest riders. He lives in Anamosa and grew up watching his father race. He's been participating in the exhibition class since he was 3. His best ride to date - 110 feet.

One of the oldest riders, hailing from Moscow, goes by Hawkeye. He's 68 years old and has been competing for 47 years.

"I went to watch one, and (Anamosa) was one of the first ones I'd seen in 1964," Hawkeye said. "And I had to try it. So in '65 I bought a bike and came back."

To protect the riders and the fans, men are positioned at intervals on the hill to keep the rider and his or her bike from falling down.

"The injury risk is minimal," Schultz said. "It's kind of like any sport. You can go to a football game on a Friday night, and you might have injuries you might not."

Drawing in a mob of spectators and competitors, the event boosts Anamosa's economy.

"It's big for the city of Anamosa," Schultz said. "For the bars, and the supermarkets, and the gas stations. Everybody benefits."

Hard-core fans and participants alike raved about the event over the roar of the bikes. Including Hawkeye.

"I love it. It's what we do, man."