Several students in the ACU Cycling Club raced Sunday in the Bent Wheel Bash – and one took home a metal.

Liz Lurz, sophomore biochemistry from San Antonio, won first place in the category for women from ages 19-39 on the 8.5 mile off-road course. Lurz had already participated in several cycling events this season, but she said she was shocked to take the prize.

“My goal is always to just finish and have fun,” Lurz said.

The Bent Wheel Bash is part of a state-wide series of races organized by the Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association. Individuals from across Texas gathered along the Buck Creek bike trails north of Abilene to participate in the event, said Asa Kusuma, senior computer science major from, Annandale, Va.

Kusuma was pleased with his personal time of 49 minutes and 54 seconds on the trail. He initially had difficulty getting around the other bikes – about 200 racers were on the trail that day, according to the Abilene Reporter-News – but his familiarity with the occasionally rocky trails paid off in the end, he said.

“I didn’t get off to a very good start, but I finished well,” Kusuma said. “It was nice to see some of my friends cheering for me in support at the end.”

Kusuma said he enjoyed the speed and competition of bike racing. The outdoor activity is accessible to participants of all ages, including families, he said.

Lurz got involved in bike racing with her dad at the age of 10, she said. Biking has been a passion for Lurz ever since – so much so that she plans to change her major from biochemistry to business.

“My dream is to open a bike shop and train for the rest of my life,” Lurz said.