Bike week in Odessa

Odessa residents have likely noticed a bit more traffic through town this week. It is what the Odessa Chamber of Commerce has dubbed "Bike Week," although this year there is no equipment show or any activities other than motorcycle races on the weekends at either end of the week.

Last weekend saw the running of the White Knuckle and Frostbite Grand Prix races on consecutive days. The official results of those races were unavailable at press time.

The races for young people riding smaller bikes was held Saturday, with several Odessa boys taking part. In the eight-and-under age bracket, Chad Strebeck was the only local competitor. He completed three laps and received a trophy.

In the ages nine-through-12 bracket, four more local boys competed and went home with some hardware. Drew Hardung and Keith Strebeck each finished six laps, and Joshua Valverde and Collin Martin completed five laps. All four received trophies.

The coming weekend, April 5 and 6 brings the 44th annual Desert 100 back to Odessa for the ? consecutive year. The Odessa Chamber will sponsor a hospitality tent at the food vendor area throughout the weekend. A band has also been hired to perform both Friday and Saturday night in the tent, the Garrett Hartley Band. Chamber member Marlon Schafer is looking for volunteers to help out with serving, checking ID and clean-up in the tent Friday through part of Sunday.

Minors are allowed in the tent during part of the day, and it can provide shelter from the weather if rain, wind or cold temperatures are present. Toward late afternoon or evening, minors will be required to leave the premises, and only adults will be allowed entry.

The Desert 100 has been run since 1969. It was once known as Mattawa, since it was at first held near that central Washington town. The Stumpjumpers Motorcycle Club calls it the most prestigious off-road race of the year. The Desert 100 weekend also features the following events:

The Family Poker Run is an event for the entire family, all ages and all abilities, and each year attracts hundreds of riders. The run covers 20 to 25 miles and all who complete it receive a T-shirt. The entry fee is $25.

The Iron Man Poker Run, not for the faint at heart, is geared toward the more advanced rider and is much longer and harder than the family poker run. It covers 70 to 80 miles, and the entry fee is $35. Finishers receive an Iron Man T-shirt.

The Dual Sport Ride is for those who have dual-sport bikes (used for both on- and off-road riding). Riders have lunch in town at Rocky Coulee Brewing Company's brewery (the first 100 riders eat free) and see the sights of Odessa and the surrounding area, including private-property trail rides and the BLM's Lakeview Ranch OHV (off-highway vehicle) area. Bikes must be street legal, and the entry fee is $35. Finishers receive a T-shirt.

Food Drive. The club hosts a food drive for the Odessa Food Bank at the race site on the race weekend. Donations are gladly accepted. Pet food is accepted, too.

The Desert 100 has a two-wave start. The entry fee is $60 at the site or $50 if riders pre-register. Riders complete two laps for the 100-mile portion of the race and one for the 50-mile portion.

Awards go to 30% of the race finishers, and individuals must be present to receive a trophy. All finishers receive a T-shirt.

Spark arrestors are required on all bikes. Due to Bureau of Land Management rules, no all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are allowed.Riders' meetings are mandatory, and all participants are expected to be familiar with and comply with all rules and regulations of their respective races.