Tour de Tribury XVII
September 26, 2009
The Southbury Faith In Action Committee again sponsored this year's Tour de Tribury Bike and Walk-A-Thon, the seventeenth 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 keep 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.
As with all things in this life, first the paperwork, then the good time. Many riders registering for the 50 mile ride. This is a great day for a long bike ride in the country. Cool temperatures, clear day. Doesn't get any better.
With many door prizes to choose from, these decisions are not easy. How can we ever thank the many local businesses who contributed so generously to the door prize collection.
Joe was there to thank everyone for their support, and to explain the routes, answer any questions, and send everyone on their way. Notice the vintage Tour t-shirt he is wearing.
And the riders in the 50 mile group are ready to leave. Any questions? Have a wonderful ride, and remember that there is a pick up vehicle, should you experience any problems.
Pastor Betsy, from the Church of the Epiphany was on hand to offer a prayer of thanks and for the safety of the riders. She is recovering herself from a bike accident, which left her with a cast on her right hand. We wish her a speedy recovery.
And, they're off. Quite a large group of 50 milers hit the road. They were joined later by a few folk who arrived a bit late, but did the route just as well.
As a safety measure, all the pick up vehicles have signs warning vehicular traffic of the riders ahead.
Shortly after the 50 milers leave, it's time for the 25 mile group to assemble and get their instructions. Another large, colorful group of riders.
Pastor Betsy was again able to thank the riders for their efforts, and offer a prayer for their safe return.
Ready...Set...GO! Off go the 25 mile group for a ride through the surrounding countryside.
A good size group assembled for the 10 mile ride and 5k walk. Once again, Pastor Betsy was there for the riders and walkers, praying for their safe return, and thanking them for their dedication to their neighbors.
There they go. Off on what is probably the nicest ride of the day. The 10 mile route runs along Lake Zoar, to Shepaug Dam, and back. A fairly flat ride along the river. On a beautiful day like this, it just doesn't get any better than that.
A good group of walkers who either don't bike, or just prefer the relaxing stroll along Main Street South. This year the walk was extended to 5k, which brought it up the about the Southbury Food Center, and back.
While all this activity was going on, the Knights of Columbus were busy in the kitchen preparing lunch. This is one of those jobs that doesn't get seen much, but which adds so much to the day. Also adding to the day were the many fresh baked apple pies supplied by the Women's Group at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Umm Good.
After the ride, a little time to relax, and enjoy lunch. And look forward to the drawings for the door prizes.
Does everyone have their tickets? Are we ready? Got your prizes all picked out, so...
Make sure those tickets are well mixed. No fair looking. And the winner of this prize is...
This young lady raised over $500 for the Fuel Bank. And also won a door prize or two. Not a bad day.
This year, the Tour was able to offer a Nintendo Wii game system to the person who raised the most donations over $300. This young man more than doubled that, raising over $600. Good Job!
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!!