“First I’d like to thank Kelly and Stephen for putting this all together, it was incredibly successful and one of the biggest thing we’ve done so far. It was well thought out, organized and I look forward to hearing what the final attendance was. From a cook’s point of view we served up 292 hotdogs, eight bundles of bananas, two bags of oranges and a lot of chips. No one left hungry”. Quote from Head Cook Grill Master Rick Schrader.
As I stood on top of the picnic table, having just announced the meeting places for the organized rides, I was amazed to see how many people had shown up for this event. There were kids, toddlers, infants, teens, college students and adult kids of all ages. They were eager to get going and I was excited to let them go. So excited that I failed to tell them all about the programs that had organized this event: Pisgah Area Sorba‘s Kelly Baisley and Trips For Kids WNC’s Stephen Janes had spent numerous volunteer hours for the past several months recruiting volunteers, food donors, raffle prizes etc to make this event a success.
133 riders and volunteers ready to roll- additional people signed in for another two hours
As the riders rode out, a calm settled on Guion Farms that would end as soon as the riders returned.
After riding one of the three different group rides, participants still had plenty to do. Cane Creek Cycling Components was manning the pump track, giving pointers and encouragement, Asheville Cyclocross set up a demo CX course and was on hand for demonstrations and pointers, and REI/ Asheville was keeping time on the gravel time trial course.
Back under the pavillion, Rick Schrader and a crew of volunteers were prepping hot dogs and fixins. ( Thanks to Okie Dokies Smokehouse for the food donations).
The weather turned out to be perfect, the volunteers were out in full force, and the participants were patient and excited. This event could not have happened without any one of the groups mentioned, and I thank each person for participating.
One of the highlights for me was seeing the Erwin Middle Bike Club out there having a blast!! They are a cool group of kids, organized by Traci Malone and Tracey Armstrong.
Sponsors: OP Taylors, Liberty Bikes, Dancing Bear Toys, REI, Okie Dokies Smokehouse, Hendersonville EMT, Pisgah Area Sorba, Trips For Kids WNC….I hope I didn’t forget anyone!!
I look forward to next time!
