OAKLEY - As fundraisers go, they don't get muddier, faster or more exciting than the Dirt Riders Hare Scramble to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

Sunday's event at the dirt bike club's track near Oakley lived up to expectations, with a four-mile course that twisted, climbed and plunged through thick woods before giving on to fast blasts across muddy fields that were growing corn two days earlier.

Entries hit a record 160 in this, the event's 16th year, and the price to ride was a $10 fee and a new toy valued at $10 or riders had to pony up another 10 bucks. Aaron Miller, who came from his home in Paris, presented his $10 and an Etch A Sketch and thought it good value: helping a worthy cause while enjoying one last mechanical scream through the outdoors.

"I usually race Motorcross, and that season is over and so this is our last ride for the year; we're just playing around in the woods today," said Miller, 30, who works for the government at a chemical weapons disposal facility when he isn't disposing of hairpin turns and vertical mud wall climbs on his bike.

"It's a rush out there," he added. "Twist that throttle and get the power."

The Hare Scramble, the main event of the day, was raced by two-rider teams in various classes including a popular one for fathers and sons. There were also "Ironman" categories for those brave enough to race alone and events for women and children. Bags of trophies rewarded the top finishers, and riders ages 5 to 70 came from as far as Iowa to test their skill.

Temperatures hovered in the 30s and, with the odd snowflake swirling on the breeze, Dirt Rider club treasurer John Gepford wondered if even more would not have entered, but for the weather.

"I prefer it warmer myself," he said, the cold polishing his nose to a bright cherry. "But people like to come out here because they always have a good time."

Gepford helped found the race 16 years ago with his wife, Kathleen, and says a big part of its attraction is the camaraderie. "It lets guys who might normally race against each other work together as a team," he explained. "And while one of them is out riding, the other is back, shooting the breeze with their buddies."

The real winner always is Big Brothers Big Sisters, who will get all the toys and, can expect a check worth more than $2,000.

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