GSW Tri-State
Seacoast Century
In review: Tri-State Seacoast Century Weekend, Sept. 23-24, 2006
The 33rd annual Tri-State Seacoast Century was one of the wettest in history. It just had to rain during the prime cycling hours of Saturday when the forecast called for a 40% chance of showers in the late afternoon – so we had nearly 100% rain all day. Sunday was forecast to have heavy rain, squalls, and thunder storms so most people took their chances with the 40% Saturday forecast and got soaked. Sunday was overcast with two heavy showers in the afternoon. By 6 PM “clean-up time” on Sunday there was not a cloud in the sky. Figures, right?
Even with the rainy weather 1,086 of the registered 1,439 participants rode, most on Saturday. Since this event is not a race, times and distances are not recorded except for GSW members wishing to record their mileage for their annual club totals. We had 128 club members register with 54 riding a total of 3,181 miles. Quite a few people picked up their event T-shirts and did not ride at all. In spite of the deplorable cycling conditions, many compliments were received from the riders while the volunteers tried to keep the wheels turning and the participants well fed. The peanut butter and jelly sandwiches made with “When Pigs Fly” bread were a big hit, likewise a lot of cookies, oranges, bananas, Gatorade, and water was consumed.
Our weekend volunteers were great, plus mechanical services were provided by Goodale’s Bike Shop, Nault’s Cyclery, Reynold’s Weld Lab, Papa Wheelies, and Bicycle Bob’s Bicycle Outlet. The “behind the scenes” Seacoast Century Committee put in many hours before, during, and after the event. Bob Koehler, Jean Manning, Judi Hull, and Dave Topham handled the logistics while other volunteers helped with details and the route marking. Lonnie Little, Bill Manning, Bob and Julie Weaver, and Peggy McKane all did their part to make this event happen. The staffs at Hampton Beach State Park, Fort McClary Picnic Area, and Sohier Park (Nubble Light) were all very helpful.
Now to start planning for the 2007 Seacoast Century on September 22-23. And let’s hope for better weather!
