DH Summer Sizzle series to benefit Fisher

Mike Hackworth

(Updated: Thursday, June 25, 2009, 6:34 PM)

Two years ago, on January 22, Oakhurst's John Fisher was skiing near the bottom of Sierra Summit when, in what was called a "slow-speed" crash, he fractured a cervicle vertebrae in his neck.

Today, the 44-year old, three-time mountain bike downhill national champion in the expert class, is confined to a wheelchair.

The John Fisher Down Hill Summer Sizzle Series, has been created to help defray the enormous costs in purchasing a special van to help Fisher become more mobile.

Promoted by longtime friend JP Sickler with Sick Promotions the summer series will donate 50 percent of the race's proceeds.  In addition, the sale of raffle tickets will also help raise extra funds.

Raffle prizes will include: bike parts, sport clothing, signed jerseys from other top riders and at the series final a top-of-the-line Down Hill bike will be raffled.

"One of the toughest things for Fisher is that his twin girls are now four years old, and much like their father, they share a great passion for the outdoors," Sickler said.

"Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult for John to be transported since his power wheelchair weighs over 300 pounds.

"When John is transported by friends or family (using his manual wheelchair) it is always a risk transferring him from the wheelchair to the car and back. 

"John has been through so much over the past two years, and life as a quadriplegic is a huge challenge," Sickler said. "His friends and family are doing as much as they can to assist John on a daily basis and continue to provide moral support through the many twists and turns of this horrific injury."

John Fisher DH Summer Sizzle Race Series

Classes Men $35; Women $35; Juniors $25

Chainless Pixie Bike Race Day Registration only, opens at 8 a.m., timed runs start at noon

Juniors must have a parent or guardian fill out a liability release form

*All Races will be held in Miami Creek OHV Park -- Located 6 miles north of Oakhurst north of Fresno off of Hwy 41.

*Registration - Race day only! Opens at 9 a.m. Fees - Adults $35, Juniors $25

*Practice - The John Fisher DH Series race course will be marked and ready for inspection at noon the day before competition. Park rules are in effect for non- race day practice.

*Timed runs - Start at noon. Riders will be started on course at one-minute intervals. Riders select their start time at registration.

*Results & Awards - Will take place approximately 30 minutes after the final rider of the day. Results will usually take place around 3 to 4 p.m.

*Medals - Will be awarded at each race for each division & John Fisher DH Series points will be awarded to all riders who complete their run at each event.

*Cash - Will be awarded to the top Men's and Women's fastest times.

*Final series points - Total to be determined by a rider's combined score from 5 of the first 6 races, plus the mandatory John Fisher DH Summer Series final score on Aug. 23

*Series Prizes - Are determined by size of each category for the season.

*Important Miami Creek OHV Park Rules - All RIDERS must wear a bicycle helmet at all times when riding. Speed limit is strictly enforced inside Miami Creek OHV Park, please drive slow!

*Please be courteous and friendly to other park users *Parking - Follow the John Fisher DH Race Signs race signs, off of Highway 41, to the Kamook staging/parking area.