Nice Kit
Yesterday, Saturday, September 12th, about 120 cyclists participated in the City To The Sand bicycle ride. The 100 mile route took us from Manhattan to East Quoque. There are numerous Century rides in the NYC area and many of them support worthy charities. Yesterday was very different on many levels.
City To The Sand was organized by The 100 Mile Man Foundation to support The Fund for Public Schools. It all started with Jesse Itzler’s goal to fund 100 scholarships for 100 students. Once Jesse started the ball rolling his friends told theirs friends and the result was almost $1 million raised.
I have been involved with many charity cycling events over the past few years but The Hundred Mile Man stands out as something special. A small percentage of the riders were active cyclists. Many bought new bikes for the event having not been on one for years. I know, I fit them for the bikes and heard their stories. The riders came from all over the country, different age groups and backrounds.Some were in good shape others just had great spirit. Coach Ron Tessler led a group of the NYC area riders on Sunday training rides but many just showed up at the starting line with the right attitude.
Compared with other charity rides, the City to the Sand had a small number of participants but a tremendous amount of funds were raised. A huge percentage of the participants finished the 100 miles. Considering the small number of active cyclists this was another outstanding result. With high rider / revenue and riders / finishers there’s clearly a pattern. This was a group of very motivated goal oriented individuals.
The riders were also a pleasure to ride with! On these rides flat tires are usual. The organizers provided SAG vehicles and mechanics but for every puncture a few riders would stop a offer to help. At the front of the group a few of the more experienced riders and marshals organized pace lines and helped the riders experience riding in a peloton. Towards the back of the group, marshals and other riders kept the slower riders motivated through to the finish line.
Ron and John at Conrad's
The Start
The starting line was at Conrad’s Bikes in Tudor City. This is a very residential area that is normally as quiet as a suburb at 6:00AM on a Saturday but when we arrived it looked like a big Hollywood production was being filmed. A guy in full Scottish kilt was playing the bagpipes. Trucks were lined up with support, bathrooms and camera crews. A few were shooting video others film. Numerous bikes were being fitted with handle bar mounted cameras. While my photos might be some of the first to circulate I look forward to the release of the “real stuff”…City to the Sand – The Movie.
One Of The Film Crew
Signing In
A Zico Coconut Water truck followed us through Manhattan and over the Queensborough Bridge blasting music over speaker mounted on the roof. I knew we were in for a different kind of ride.
Out of Manhattan, the ride headed through Greenpoint and Williamsburg then took a Southern route through Malverne, Bellmore, Bayshore and Shirley. Rest stops were placed a very comfortable 20 miles apart welcoming riders with food drink and the smiles and cheers from an army of enthusiastic volunteers.
Through West Hampton and over the bridge to Dune Road. The last 5 miles were along some of the nicest real estate on Long Island but with the end so close most riders just focused straight ahead. I recognized the look on their faces. With 95 miles in their legs nothing was going to stop them. They knew they would finish. The near smiles on their faces masked the pain in their legs, backs and arms. As the finish came into sight, I felt a chill when I saw the riders that had already finished gathered outside cheering as others crossed the line. The New York Jets cheerleaders were there putting on a show but the attention was on the finishers. Everyone that crossed the line wore a medal on a red ribbon. Many were crying tears of amazement. I know some signed up to be involved, raised money but only planned to ride the first 20 miles. Encouraged by the excitement and comradery these riders did the 100 miles! Hugs and kisses were everywhere as family and friends found the riders they supported.
In the parking lot at Dockers, where the after ride party was held, a shower truck was lined up across from the massage tables that helped restore the riders. Refressed and relaxing inside Dockers, Jesse and Ron made a few comments and recognized a few of the outstanding fundraisers and volunteers. A tough list to make since it means you are part of the layer on top of the cream of the crop…
Riders Getting Their Jerseys
The ride was great and the cause outstanding. Donations can still be made at www.the100mileman.com . Go to the Donations page then check out the Riders page…they were the heroes of the day.
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