MISSION: Northland Pioneer College provides educational excellence that is affordable and accessible for the enrichment of communities across northeastern Arizona.
October 12, 2022

Pedal the Petrified Rides Again!

Cycling event raises over $35,000 to support Northland Pioneer College student scholarships
225 cyclists enjoyed this year's Pedal the Petrified event on Saturday, October 1, 2022 raising $35,000 for student scholarships

After a two-year, COVID-driven hiatus, two hundred twenty-five bikers from all over the U.S. participated in Northland Pioneer College (NPC) Friends and Family’s Pedal the Petrified (PTP) at the Petrified Forest National Park on Saturday, October 1, helping to raise more than $35,000 for NPC students.

Betsyann Wilson, executive director for NPC Friends and Family shared, “PTP 2022 is in the books! I think it was our best one yet, and I want to recognize and thank everyone who made it happen. Final numbers won’t be in for another week or so, but at this time, we have netted over $35,000. And while that is a great figure, it does not reflect the number of friends we have made through this event who now give regularly to NPC Friends and Family to support our amazing students.”

The ride, which due to COVID had not been held in person since 2019, was described by participants as “breathtaking,” “exciting,” and the “trip of a lifetime.”  PTP is taking on a life of its own, creating moments and memories that go beyond the ride itself. Slated as a metric century ride which is 100 kilometers, or 62.137 miles, there is no competition, no winners or losers, just 225 riders biking through the national park. Participants can also opt for a half-metric century, or about 31 miles, after which they and their bikes are shuttled back to the ride start.

The lack of competition does not negate the number of cyclists who train and prepare for the ride. While much of the ride is spent pedaling through the inclines and downgrades of the high desert landscape, reaching Pintado Point, the Park’s highest point at 5,800 feet, from a long uphill climb on either side creates the greatest challenge. “The older riders are actually some the strongest and most seasoned riders,” noted Wilson, adding, “The median age of our riders this year was 58! We had three 80-year-old riders, and our youngest rider was 14, so this is truly an event for everyone who enjoys bicycling.”

Carlos Gomez and his 14-year-old grandson Link Hedman pedaled the park together for a truly bonding experience.

For 68-year-old Carlos Gomez, a recent retiree and veteran of both Vietnam and Desert Storm, the ride was one born of determination and youthful spirit and ended up being a truly bonding experience. Gomez took up cycling six years ago after he was diagnosed with several serious health conditions. While preparing for this year's PTP (his third), in a stroke of bad luck, he broke his collarbone. Gomez said he has always encouraged his family to join him and this year PTP’s youngest rider, Gomez’s fourteen-year-old grandson Link Hedman of Peoria, finally took him up on it. Gomez notes they had made plans to train for the ride together, but time just slipped away from them and the training never happened. He explains, “Link ended up taking on the half-century ride ‘cold turkey,’” with no training or preparation. Gomez himself had barely recovered from the collarbone injury in time to ride in this year’s event. “I was shocked,” Gomez notes.“We were all shocked. I thought Link would maybe do five miles or so and then decide that he’d had enough. But he did the whole thing! I kept asking him how he was feeling and he would just say ‘let's keep going.’ We were about five miles from the end when I asked him again and he admitted, ‘my body hurts, I am so tired.’” Gomez explained, “I said ok, well let’s quit. It’s ok. But Link told him, ‘I’ve come this far. I’m not quitting.’” By the time they had finished, they had completed the 50k in 2 hours. Gomez said, “Man, I am so proud of that guy.”

With more than 60 volunteers, most from Northland Pioneer College, helping with everything from preliminary set up to manning stations, guiding traffic, and giving folks a lift back to the start, according to Wilson, “The event was beautifully done. I am in the process of reviewing the results of a post-ride survey we send to all participants, and everyone is singing the praises of our great volunteers!” Wilson is also grateful for the ongoing sponsorship and support of Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center, La Posada of Winslow, and The Pour Station in Show Low. “Pinetop Bike Shop and Cycle Mania also really helped us get the word out and register local riders,” she adds.

Debee Demolina and Diane Hoffman took on the full 100km ride together.

Bill Waters of Flagstaff, an experienced cyclist who has ridden in several Pedal the Petrified events, and now volunteers as shuttle coordinator noted, “This is a unique event for a one-day non-competitive ride. The college provides a top-notch experience, easily comparing with some of the top rides in the country.” Waters and Wilson both expressed their appreciation to the partnership of the National Park Service and particularly the administration of Petrified Forest National Park “for partnering with us to do this, helping to make sure it is a safe event.”

Wilson adds that she loves the way the ride helps Petrified Forest National Park provide a great economic boost to neighboring communities such as Holbrook and Winslow. “While most of our riders come from southern Arizona and New Mexico, we had registrations this year from Texas, Colorado, California, Washington, and even Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, The District of Columbia, and Connecticut!” Wilson notes.

Most of all, Wilson is grateful for the scholarships that are raised for NPC students. “I tell everyone that our students are among the finest college students you will ever meet,” she says. “I don’t know if I could have finished college if I had been faced with the challenges they face every day. Many are the first generation in their families ever to attempt college. Some travel literally hundreds of miles each week to attend their classes. Many live with extreme poverty. Yet they succeed, because of their courage, vision, determination, and because of the help that our NPC Friends and Family supporters provide.”

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PTP 2022
First-time PTP riders Jeromy Heidemann of Mesa, Jacob Alm of Chandler, and Ryan Millecan of Tempe prepare to ride out after a detour to the Blue Mesa area during Pedal the Petrified ’22.
PTP 2022
The “Bad Hombres” Steve Glass and Jim Goodding are from Albuquerque NM and finally made their first ever live Pedal the Petrified trip.
Debee Demolina and Diane Hoffman took on the full 100km ride together. Bribed by the appeal of an ending Navajo taco meal, Diane (who initially was only going to do the half-century ride) ended up doing the full ride with her friend. They enjoyed their first-ever trip to the area and even stayed at the iconic WigWam Hotel in Holbrook the night before.
Debee Demolina and Diane Hoffman took on the full 100km ride together. Bribed by the appeal of an ending Navajo taco meal, Diane (who initially was only going to do the half-century ride) ended up doing the full ride with her friend.
Christine Szuter of the Tucson area went to grad school with former NPC faculty member and administrator Dr. Eric B. Henderson who passed away in March of 2020. Christine learned of the Pedal the Petrified event for student scholarships after donating to the “Taking Flight Scholarship” established in his memory. She took in the beauty of the park with a leisurely ride through the landscape – stopping at every viewing advantage point.
Christine Szuter of the Tucson area went to grad school with former NPC faculty member and administrator Dr. Eric B. Henderson who passed away in March of 2020.
First-time PTP riders Jeromy Heidemann of Mesa, Jacob Alm of Chandler, and Ryan Millecan of Tempe prepare to ride out after a detour to the Blue Mesa area during Pedal the Petrified ’22. Christine Szuter of the Tucson area went to grad school with former NPC faculty member and administrator Dr. Eric B. Henderson who passed away in March of 2020. Christine learned of the Pedal the Petrified event for student scholarships after donating to the “Taking Flight Scholarship” established in his memory. She
First-time PTP riders Jeromy Heidemann of Mesa, Jacob Alm of Chandler, and Ryan Millecan of Tempe prepare to ride out after a detour to the Blue Mesa area during Pedal the Petrified ’22. Christine Szuter of the Tucson area went to grad school with
Joe Gutterman and Larry McFatter pose for a photo together after taking a break at one of the SAG stops along the route. They are avid riders and train in the high elevations of their hometown of Flagstaff AZ on both mountain bikes and road bikes.
Joe Gutterman and Larry McFatter pose for a photo together after taking a break at one of the SAG stops along the route. They are avid riders and train in the high elevations of their hometown of Flagstaff AZ on both mountain bikes and road bikes.
First-time Pedal the Petrified rider Sarah Schluessler had just finished the “Tour of the Rio Grande Century” ride (39 miles) the previous weekend in her hometown of Albuquerque NM – what a way to prep for the PTP metric century ride (just over 62 miles)! She’d never been to the park and enjoyed the experience firsthand in the best way possible.
First-time Pedal the Petrified rider Sarah Schluessler had just finished the “Tour of the Rio Grande Century” ride (39 miles) the previous weekend in her hometown of Albuquerque NM – what a way to prep for the PTP metric century ride (just over 62 miles)!
Two of the Cottonwood Owls Chuck Combs and Mike Owen are part of a group of roughly 10 riders who never miss a Pedal the Petrified tour. They even rode the park during the 2021 Virtual Tour when COVID shut down the in-person live event. They noted that it just wasn’t the same without the great volunteers and people from NPC who make the “magic” of the in-person event happen.
Two of the Cottonwood Owls Chuck Combs and Mike Owen are part of a group of roughly 10 riders who never miss a Pedal the Petrified tour. They even rode the park during the 2021 Virtual Tour when COVID shut down the in-person live event. They noted that it
Margaret Mucci traveled with a friend from the east mountains of Albuquerque NM for her first ever Pedal the Petrified. She said she will definitely be back, and that the scenery was just so beautiful that she couldn’t stop taking opportunities to take photos along the way.
Margaret Mucci traveled with a friend from the east mountains of Albuquerque NM for her first ever Pedal the Petrified. She said she will definitely be back, and that the scenery was just so beautiful that she couldn’t stop taking photos.
Carlos Gomez (3-year PTP rider) brought his 14-year-old grandson Link Hedman for this year’s ride. Granddad and grandson pedaled the park together for a truly bonding experience. It was Link’s very first PTP ride and the whole family got involved to root them on. Pictured are Carlos Gomez and his wife Maria (Lola) Gomez with Link with his mother Irene and her boyfriend Ryan. His mom Irene said, “We are truly proud of their accomplishments.” Those of us at NPC and Pedal the Petrified are too!
Carlos Gomez (3-year PTP rider) brought his 14-year-old grandson Link Hedman for this year’s ride. Granddad and grandson pedaled the park together for a truly bonding experience. It was Link’s very first PTP ride and the whole family got involved!
Jackie Harding and Andrea Martinelli are from Phoenix and are first-time Pedal the Petrified riders. They said it was a great way to see the park and the weather was perfect!
Jackie Harding and Andrea Martinelli are from Phoenix and are first-time Pedal the Petrified riders. They said it was a great way to see the park and the weather was perfect!
Elliptical riders Janna and Walt Baldwin traveled from San Clemente California. It was their very first Pedal the Petrified tour.
Elliptical riders Janna and Walt Baldwin traveled from San Clemente California. It was their very first Pedal the Petrified tour.
Cottonwood residents Denise DeKeuster and Ruth Wells are part of a biking group called the “Old Owls.” The group of 10 gathers for riding events around the southwest and have been cycling together for over 20 years. Denise is the youngster in the group at the age of 64.
Cottonwood residents Denise DeKeuster and Ruth Wells are part of a biking group called the “Old Owls.” The group of 10 gathers for riding events around the southwest and have been cycling together for over 20 years.
Riders John Hayt and Mark O'Shaughnessy of Tucson trekked the PTP 2022 together this year.
Riders John Hayt and Mark O'Shaughnessy of Tucson trekked the PTP 2022 together this year.
The ‘Cookie Monster” Ann Durkin joined “Oscar the Grouch” Mike O-Toole, both of Phoenix, on a journey during Pedal the Petrified. She said the sugar cookies at the Route 66 SAG stop were the best!
The ‘Cookie Monster” Ann Durkin joined “Oscar the Grouch” Mike O-Toole, both of Phoenix, on a journey during Pedal the Petrified. She said the sugar cookies at the Route 66 SAG stop were the best!
Debee Demolina and Diane Hoffman took on the full 100km ride together. Bribed by the appeal of an ending Navajo taco meal, Diane (who initially was only going to do the half-century ride) ended up doing the full ride with her friend. They enjoyed their first-ever trip to the area and even stayed at the iconic WigWam Hotel in Holbrook the night before.
Debee Demolina and Diane Hoffman took on the full 100km ride together. Bribed by the appeal of an ending Navajo taco meal, Diane (who initially was only going to do the half-century ride) ended up doing the full ride with her friend.
Claiming to be “young and foolish,” Al Merkley (71) and his friend Lane Fischer (67) of Salt Lake City did the full PTP Century ride together. They said it was “very cool” and that they would be back again next year. They were caught relaxing afterward with a Navajo taco meal.
Claiming to be “young and foolish,” Al Merkley (71) and his friend Lane Fischer (67) of Salt Lake City did the full PTP Century ride together. They said it was “very cool” and that they would be back again next year. They were caught relaxing afterward.
Greg Spear, Deborah Hotep, and Will Pitts of Tucson AZ had an amazing day together at Pedal the Petrified 2022. Commenting on the first live PTP event since the onslaught of COVID in 2020 they laughingly said, “We are back with a vengeance.”
Greg Spear, Deborah Hotep, and Will Pitts of Tucson AZ had an amazing day together at Pedal the Petrified 2022. Commenting on the first live PTP event since the onslaught of COVID in 2020 they laughingly said, “We are back with a vengeance.”