September 23, 2001

Freewheeler Fall Challenge

 This race was thrown together at the last minute to replace our cancelled Fall RATL. Thanks to a bunch of guys running around like madmen, understanding city and cycling officials, and the efficiency of email, we put together one GREAT race!

A perfect early Fall day, a large turnout of very competitive cyclists, and the blessing of no accidents all helped make a fun race. However, what made the day really rewarding was the fact that it was a memorial/fundraiser for the NYFD and other victims of the terrorist tragedy. Cyclists contributed $344 from their own pockets and the Freewheelers donated $1,000. (Which was the race proceeds plus an additional contribution.) In addition, there was a moment of silence prior to the race and a five mile parade lap with 77 cyclists carrying the Stars & Stripes as a memorial to the victims. It was great to see cycling—a sport that is by nature very self-centered—showing such support for the community!

None of this would have been possible without the Herculean efforts of Denis Osowski and his wife, Mosie. It was all Denis’ idea and he and Mosie did nearly all the work. They put together the entire effort in just 3 days! Denis and Mosie got great support from George Liolios and Tom Collier and all the Freewheelers owe a debt of thanks to each of them for making a great race into something that was really a special event in response to the difficult times facing our country.

There were lots of additional folks instrumental in making this a great—and safe!—race. Especially, Tom Collier. Once again, Tom stepped up to do most of the work to organize and run the race. Without all of Tom’s work all season, the Freewheelers would have been racing a lot less this year! Joanne Liolios and Rick Schwarz also provided key help. Many marshals helped—so many that I don’t even know the names of all of them. Thanks to Peter Henriksen, Dave Wadkins, Cathy Bedell, Karen Ingraham, Rob and Chanetll Eggleton, Debbie Collier, and Mr. Lee on his motorcycle. Sorry—I know I missed some folks.

Oh yeah, the club can also be proud of their race efforts! Lots of our bright red and yellow jerseys were prominent in both the A & B races. The A race was at a furious pace as the peloton spent the entire race chasing  Joe Papp,  Jeff Braumberger, and Brian Batke who broke away on the first lap and extended their gap every loop. The B race had a strong field that squashed a couple of serious break attempts and then rolled around to a bunch sprint finish. Word is some old guy from the Freewheelers got to the line first. See all the results here.

Freewheeler Fall Challenge, Race Results