The mountain biking community descended on Spearfish on Sunday, as a record crowd of 388 racers from all over the country participated in the ninth annual Dakota Five-O bike race. Beginning in Spearfish Park, the bikers and racers began a 50-mile loop around and through the Northern Hills before returning to Spearfish Park and the finish line.

For the very best of Sundays bikers - Dave Olson, a Sturgis teacher, competing in the men's 29 and younger class had the day's best time - the race required a very demanding three hours and 48 minutes. For others, the race became an all-day ordeal, exceeding nine hours in some cases.

Olson, who grew up in Watertown and began mountain biking while a student at Black Hills State, spent more time focused on the competition and his own physical demands to do much sightseeing.

"The last half of the race has three climbs in it,"

Olson said. "You have already ridden 30 miles and are already tired by that time, so it really becomes a mental game after that."

Rapid City couple Phil and Nancy Busching were both winners, as Phil once again captured the men's 40-49 class, posting a personal best time of 3 hours, 55:44 seconds.

"There were a lot of personal bests today since the course was fast and dry and in excellent shape," Phil Busching said. "I went out a little fast today chasing a couple of guys on the gravel uphill portion leading to the single track course and paid for it later, as the finish was really painful for me."

Nancy Busching won the women's 40-49 class with a women's best time of 4:34:39.

"I've ridden this course six or seven times, and that gives me a huge advantage over the women who are not local," she said.