Tour de Tribury XIII
September 24, 2005
The Southbury Interfaith Social Concerns Committee again sponsored this year's Tour de Tribury Bike and Walk-A-Thon, the thirteenth 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, 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. The day was made for a bike ride. Cool, bright sun, just perfect.
Like everything else in life, nothing happens without the proper paperwork. Register, sign all the right forms, get a copy of the route description and a map. These folks are signing up for the 50 mile ride. A tad cool this early in the morning, but they will warm up soon enough once they start to ride.
Well, you make the turn at the intersection, and then...Luckily Joe was there to answer all questions about the route. And who better, since he laid it out. A senic ride through the surrounding towns, up to Litchfield, around Bantam Lake. And everyone loves the ride.
The Tour must be getting better known. An unexpected bonus this year was the arrival of a truckload of Red Bull Energy Drink. The nice representatives of the company were happy to give away as many cans of the drink as people wanted. This should help to keep people riding. No more excuses.
This was part of the early riders for the 50 mile route. Don't they look happy! Somehow, they look a little more tired after the trip. But content knowing they are helping their neighbors in need.
A later and larger group of 50 milers. Father Vladimir Aleandro of Christ The Savior Orthodox Church was on hand all day to pray for each group of riders as they left.
And they're off. Only 50 miles more to go, and they will be back, all ready for lunch.
Later in the day, the 10 mile group assembles for their final instructions. What are they hearing in this picture? Perhaps the most inportant instruction of the day. "See that truck in the back? It's there to pick you up if there is a problem. Whatever you do, don't let that truck pass you!"
Once again, Father Vladimir sent the riders on their way with a prayer for their safety, and a prayer of thanks for their efforts.
For those not up to a bike ride, we also offer a walk. 2.2 miles from the church, up Main Street South to the town garage, and return. Gary is the leader of the pack. A no-nonsence leader he is. Establish authority right away, and use it as needed.
The whole group of walkers. Looks like all ages are represented in this group.
Meanwhile, working away in the kitchen, a contingent from the Knights of Columbus. The Knights have been providing lunch for the Tour from the first ride 13 years ago. World Famous hot dogs, of course. But also fruit, and this year, ice cream. As always guys, thanks for all you do.
Lunch is always welcome. Especially after a hard ride around the area. And the ice cream never tasted so good.
After everyone has returned from the rides, a door prize raffle is held. Prizes donated by area merchants are drawn and the riders with the winning tickets can walk (or ride) away with a nice remembrance of the day.
Here one of the younger 10 mile riders is awarded her prize.
Part of the hopeful crowd, waiting for the next prize to be announced. Many thanks to all the merchants in town who are so generous with their donations.
And the winner is...John. Actually, the Fuel Bank is the winner in this case. John was able to raise over $1,000 in donations for his ride. Many thanks for your good work, John.
A sea of orange, with the names of all the sponsors of the Tour printed on the back of their T-Shirts.
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. If you would be interested in helping plan this wonderful event, drop an e-mail. See You Then!!