Sunday, May 31, 2009

Tour de Cure

. . First Tour de Cure in Springfield drew a little over 200 cyclist, a little less than organizers had planner for, but was an excellent event. Well planned, well organized, it is likely to become a major atttraction for cyclists in Middle Tennessee. And as you can see from the above photo, the FOGBEES had great representation as one of the most prominent clubs. (Phil has got his photos on Snapfish)
. . The many volunteers provided bell ringers, cheer leaders, food/drink, and mechanical support at Rest Stops situated every 12 miles. Plus an army of SAG vehicles patrolled the routes to ensure everyone was safe. They provided both a breakfast and a great wrap-up lunch with prime rib, BBQ ribs, shrimp, hamburgers, and hot dogs.
. . Dave Miley and Mike Poole probably turned in the best run, averaging nearly 18 mph over the 100-mile route and Nicole completed her first 100-miler in 7 hrs and 50 minutes. The rest of us peddled at a more relaxed pace through some remote and scenic areas in nearly 80-degree, cloudless skies.
(Phil's PhotoShow http://www.photoshow.com/watch/JX9yI2KV).
. . A great time was had by all. As one of the organizers kept repeating, "Jack watch your back."
WARNING: Photoshow has issues with Chrome Browser. Use IE or FireFox.

8 comments:

Blog Admin said...

A good looking bunch of cyclists. It must have been a blast for Phil to already have a Photoshow. How did you get those from a distance side shots? Surely the road is not that curving and it's hard to believe you waded that far into the weeds.
Bruce

mad1next said...

Thanks to all involved in getting Nicole and I in "uniform". This will be a memorable first century for Nicole. It was great except for the 15% wall at mile 86, which was just plain MEAN! The other "Bob".

Nancy_P said...

It was a great day. I finished the 62 miles in 5 hours and 20 minutes which for me was great and I WAS NOT LAST!!! They said there were at least 30 still out when I came in. Watch out Mike and Dave,I am on your trail.

monsieur cannonball said...

Indeed the Tour de Cure is a must do for all FOGBEES. Very scenic. The vistas were inspirational and peaceful, occasionally broken by an inconvenient PUC.

Bruce, the road wound upon itself far more than one would have expected, honoring the vagaries of farm boundaries over the neater lines of latitude and longitude. The only disadvantage was having to hustle to catch the pack once the shutter was released.

Wish you'd been on the trail with us. Next year.

monsieur cannonball said...

Indeed the Tour de Cure is a must do for all FOGBEES. Very scenic. The vistas were inspirational and peaceful, occasionally broken by an inconvenient PUC.

Bruce, the road wound upon itself far more than one would have expected, honoring the vagaries of farm boundaries over the neater lines of latitude and longitude. The only disadvantage was having to hustle to catch the pack once the shutter was released.

Wish you'd been on the trail with us. Next year.

coastdownhills said...

Cool. It took a good eye to spot the opportunity. I sympathize with the catch up after the photo situation. No one ever waits. I think that was the reason I first began to sprint up hills to take photos as people came up. It's a lot easier to snap an image and rejoin the group when they are doing 5 miles an hour.
Bruce

Tom_E said...

Mr Cannonball was never trying to catchup with anyone after his pictures. He was always well out in front of all of us for 90% of the route.

Doug_D said...

Great photoshow Phil. I wish I could have done the ride as our Company picnic was sort of mundane, but I was glad I went as I was one of only 2 managers who showed up.