Tour de Tribury XII
October 2, 2004
The Southbury Interfaith Social Concerns Committee again sponsored this year's Tour de Tribury Bike and Walk-A-Thon, the twelveth year for the Tour. As before, the proceeds from the event went to support the Southbury Fuel Bank, an organization that helps residents of Southbury maintain their homes warm throughout the winter season. Our thanks go out to the sponsors of the event, the riders, the Waterbury Amateur Radio Club and the Knights of Columbus for their world famous Hot Dogs, and the many volunteers who made the day a success. These pictures show but a small part of the day. At the time of the ride, the riders had collected a total of about $4700.
The sign tells the story. For the first time in the twelve years of the Tour, the weather got the best of us. Hurricane Ivan blew into town on the day the Tour was scheduled, and there was no way that anyone would be on a bike that day. So we used our rain date, October 2.
Time to register our first rider. These fifty mile folk are really dedicated. The day was cool, and damp, but not their spirits. For this year, we sent off a record number of fifty mile riders, a total of 12.
Fr. Donnelly was there for all the riders today, offering thanks to God for their help, and praying for the riders safety. Here he is sending off the 50 mile riders on their long trek up to Litchfield and back. Whew!
And there they go, off into the mist and fog. Luckily they have good trip sheets, and a member of the ham radio club along in case anything goes wrong. Thanks to those folks and their technology for helping keep in touch with all the riders wherever they ride.
Actually, the fifty mile group left in three sections. This is the middle section, leaving about a half hour behind the lead group. And they caught up with them! How's that for hard riding!
And the last of the fifty mile folk, leaving about an hour behind the lead riders. Still made it back in time for lunch, and all in one piece.
To say that Fr. Donnelly had a busy day would be an understatement. In the middle of the Tour, it was time to bless the animals. So here is Fr. Joe, invoking the blessing on the pets and their owners, and thanking God for the friendship and companionship of our animal friends.
And then it was time to send off the 25 mile riders. A small group, but not lacking in enthusiasm and dedication.
And off they go on their 25 mile ramble through Southbury and Woodbury. Into the mist, which at this point seemed like it was getting worse, not better. Where is the sun? Will we see it at all today? The weatherman promised we would.
As I said, Fr. Joe had a busy day, as he prepared to send off the 10 mile crew with an invocation for their safety, and thanks for their help in assisting their neighbors. Oh, and he officiated at a wedding in the afternoon. In his spare time.
There they go, on a nice river ride to the Shapaug dam. And thanks to CL&P for arranging to have the rest area at the dam open so these folks could have a short break away from any traffic.
Never let it be said that we don't utilize all the space available to us. While the riders were leaving on the Tour, the Southbury Police Association was running their annual Bike Rodeo in the lower parking lot. Lots of young folk getting their bikes tuned up, compliments of Class Cycle here in Southbury.
While under the watchful eye of some of Southbury's finest, the riders were getting instruction in proper bike handling, and observing the rules of the road.
Not to be left out, we also offer a 2.2 mile walk for those who are not inclined to riding. Here are the walkers, and we can see why they aren't on bikes. But it's a beautiful day to be out on the sidewalks of Southbury, enjoying a short stroll.
And no sooner does the last group leave, but we start to see the lead riders on the various routes coming back. Here's the lead truck from the 10 mile ride, just returning, and leading the group safely home.
The tour is open to any type of bike you can bring in. Here's an interesting one, powered by very strong arms. Thanks for coming, and showing us what real dedication can do.
OK, everyone's back. Time to eat. As usual, the Knights of Columbus World Famous hot dogs were a welcome treat for the riders after a long ride.
Here's a happy family, relaxing after a refreshing ride, and with the added benefit of helping a neighbor in need. What a wonderful example for the kids.
And speaking about the Knights of Columbus, here is the kitchen crew that supplied all the food and drink for the occasion. Let's see, hot dogs, soda, water, dessert, oranges, some of everything. Thanks for your help, gentlemen. We never could do it without you.
No Tour is complete without a door prize drawing. And thanks to our generous local businesses, ther were plenty of prizes to go around. Here Joe and Lauren are drawing the next winner. Bur really, everyone is a winner. Winning at helping a neighbor is the best kind of winning there is.
And so another year closes on the Tour de Tribury. And next week, the planning committee will meet for one last time to review the program, and start planning for next year. See You Then!!