GSW Tri-State
Seacoast Century
In review: Tri-State Seacoast Century Weekend, Sept. 22-23, 2007
The 34th annual Tri-State Seacoast Century Weekend turned out to be delightful with great weather both days and no serious injuries reported. Saturday morning was a bit foggy and cool but the sun came out in the afternoon. Sunday was sunny and pleasant all day.
Of the 1,545 registered cyclists plus our volunteers, we logged 1,350 actual riders with quite a few riding both days. A total of 90 GSW members logged their mileage. We heard of quite a few people doing “back-to-back” centuries. The crowd on Saturday morning started arriving at 5:30 AM for the 7:00 AM check-in time. Some people who were familiar with the event elected to ride the 17-mile southern loop before checking-in thus avoiding the lines. This idea is promoted as riding is certainly more fun than standing in line!
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” Tuscan Wheat bread were a big hit; likewise a lot of cookies, oranges, bananas, Gatorade, and water were consumed. Most of our participants were “well behaved” on the roads, many roads being narrow and congested at times. However, a few groups reportedly violated common-sense rules repeatedly like not riding single file when motorists approached from the rear and not moving off the road to fix a flat tire or get snacks from a bag. Many of these issues were seen in Kittery and logged by the police who then called the matter to our attention. Other negative reports were received from regular century riders well familiar with group cycling and the rules of the road. Known offenders will be asked not to return as we don’t need a few riders spoiling our event for hundreds of experienced and conscientious cyclists.
Our weekend volunteers were great, plus mechanical services were provided by Goodale’s Bike Shop, Nault’s Cyclery, Reynold’s Weld Lab, Papa Wheelies, Bicycle Bob’s Bicycle Outlet, and Buchika’s Sport Shop. 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. As usual, Century Coordinator Lonnie Little and Linda Russell did their part to make this event happen. The state of NH and Maine staffs at Hampton Beach State Park, Fort McClary Picnic Area, and Sohier Park (Nubble Light) were all very helpful.
The Seacoast Century Committee has already started planning for the 2008 event on September 20-21. And let’s hope for great weather for our 35 th annual Seacoast Century Weekend!
