Call Him a Golden Oldie-49-year-old Kevin Hines bests competitors half his age to take the final golden bike in epic fashion.

9/15/2009 |    

What’s that saying about old age and treachery always triumphing over youth and zeal? Kevin Hines proved it yet again – by winning the 7th and final GT Golden Bike competition at the Hingham Massachusetts Landmine Classic.

The Landmine is notorious up and down the east coast for its rock-littered single and double track and year after year treats racers to a 25-mile test of physical and mental toughness. And this year the Landmine threw in an extra bonus for the 400 gold prospectors who signed up – an explosion of rain on Saturday night, 5 full inches, left the trails slicked to perfection.

The silence of the foggy and overcast morning was pierced by a starting volley fired from the Massachusetts National Guard that shot the racers to life and sent them hurling into the woods in pursuit of gold.

While current Golden Bike holder Ted Hanes gave it his all, the rocks took their toll and he faded to 5th overall. But Kevin Hines sensed the weakness and used his grit, determination and copious racing experience to sail away from all adversaries, even those less than half his age, and take the final Golden Bike win in a blistering 2:15.

7 races. Over 5000 competitors. And 4 men who learned the hard way: Either the Golden Bike finishes first or it goes home with the person who does. Kevin, you’re golden. For now…