MORONGO VALLEY FIREFIGHTER IN SUMMER FIREFIGHTER OLYMPICS

A Morongo Valley firefighter competed in the California Firefighters Summer Olympics last week. Firefighter/Paramedic Richard Gilmartin rode 30 miles in a bicycle road race on the Pacific Coast Highway from Malibu to the Ventura County line, and back again, Wednesday morning. Gilmartin said despite coming in dead last, he had a great time. He said he didn’t realize how much more work it was to race against others instead of going for a leisurely 20- to 25-mile bike ride, like he is used to, but he said he met his goals of going there, starting and finishing the race. Gilmartin said he definitely plans to compete again next year. The highway and race course had an 1,100-foot elevation gain. Fire engines led the race, and brought up the rear, to ensure biker safety from cars on the highway.