9/21/2003 by Ted Ingraham
Yesterday was a picture perfect day and the Freewheelers came through again with a picture perfect race that was thoroughly enjoyed by nearly 80 racers! A lot of happy racers finished their season on a very positive note and many of them expressed their appreciation for our efforts in sponsoring the race.
Everything went perfectly for the race; a large rider turnout, a challenging course, outstanding weather, competitive fields, close finishes, and NO incidents! (The only problem the entire day was one flat tire!)
The weather was a blessing (especially if you consider the cold, rain and wind of Friday and Monday that the race sandwiched into), but the rest of the success was due to the super efforts of Becky and her many volunteers. It was really gratifying to see so many Freewheelers helping make the race a success. Counting the two policemen, 22 people were working the race. Tom Collier, Debbie Collier, Joanne Liolios, and Dick Lott all put in extraordinary efforts to make the day a success and we had even more marshals than we needed. At the risk of forgetting someone, I want to thank Catherine Scott, Chris Westover, Scott Jones, Angelo Catalano & Nancy, Chad Johnson, Rob Tandy, Ed Hurling, Russ Stapleton, Doug Hale, Tom Lee, Denis Osowski, and Dan Gableman.
It really shows the value of our club when so many members come together promote such a quality race that not only benefits the club but also provides a great race for local riders to finish their season. Speaking of the race, at least seven Freewheelers proved we race as well as promote. Shawn Adams rode exceptionally well in an elite ten-man breakaway of pro, cat 1, and cat 2 racers in the A race. (Shawn finished 8th). Kurt Spenoso was half of a two-man break on the last lap of the B race, although he got caught on the final hill. Jimmy MacDonald eschewed the junior field to race strong in the B group. And.......Tricia is back! She rode very well in a strong women's field that finished ahead of many of the B men they started with.
Thanks to Becky and everyone who was there yesterday. We all should be proud; the Freewheelers met the Fall Challenge!