David Roderick - 4/14/2014

Two down and two to go to earn that Super Randonneur Award. It’s mid-series, and we’ve covered a lot of miles for the limited training season we had this year. The 300k went well last weekend with few minor incidents. Apparently there was an overly zealous volunteer at the lunch stop who kept blowing the whistle, and even told the kids on the playground to “stop rough housing in the pool”. When I collected the materials from that control, I found a note saying my ink stamp had broken. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Speaking of pools, apparently one rider, who will remain nameless, needed a cue to find the bathroom at the hotel post ride. I told him it was on the right, but he turned left and found himself in the pool in his spandex. He was off the course, so I claim no responsibility.

Speaking of volunteers, our volunteers make the difference. When I coached, I was part of a dedicated, successful coaching staff. I hoped that I could duplicate that as an rba. Bob Waddell did a great job as rba by himself. I’m sure Patti helped. I knew that I couldn’t duplicate that success without surrounding myself with great people. The success we’ve had thus far is due to the volunteers. David Buzzee plots the route, Ted Meisky handles all things technical, Debi keeps me organized, and Dave Miller, Don and Phyllis Hamilton, Ted Meisky, and Ned Williams and others have worked the controls. At the end of the 300K I had another rider state that he hoped he could volunteer. We need all the help we can get. It’s nice to have a smiling face and a little encouragement from “someone who’s been there” at the controls. During the “pre-ride” we don’t get the date bars and other little things.

With the 400K looming, and longer control windows, we will not be able to feed the riders on such a grand scale. The controls that are manned will still have water, bagels, and bananas. Some of the controls will not be manned, but will be at or near food and water. It’s time to “rough it” again. The early starts and late finishes for the 400K and 600K will require lights and reflective gear again. I’ll try to increase the temperatures and decrease the winds. The start and overnight for the 600K will be the host hotel in Xenia.

I hope that you’ve been challenged a bit so far, and now you’re getting ready for the longer distances. Please register early if you can, so we can get a good idea about the numbers we’ll have so we can purchase the supplies we need. Thank you for riding the early brevets, you’ve made my job easier too. Be safe out on the roads. See you in May.

One more thing. We have a CCIC committee on our website. I think you probably no some members that you would like to nominate. Please do so. They do make a difference.