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For Bethel 2002, click here.
Thank you everyone for another successful year.
It's been a long ways since the first set of Bethel Training races. Typical field sizes numbered 20 or 30. Now, we expect 60 or more in certain fields. Grate covers were an "innovative idea", and traffic control consisted of blocking access to the road with cars! Well, the police pointed out fire trucks can't drive through cars, but they can drive through cones. We now have cones. We borrowed a lot of equipment from the CBRA (run at that time by founders George Orr and Frank Miskow) without which we never could have started. Now, we have bought our own equipment. Over the years, we've destroyed a few tents, including one that rolled across a couple of cars, the start/finish line, a lawn, and into a Bethel building. Now, lessons learned, we have bought our own tent, tie down ropes, complete with sides for wind protection. We've had a long relationship with the portapottie people, who we inevitably forget to pay each year, but who make the race possible. Always forgiving, the portapotties show up again the next year, on time even when we needed an extra day to dig an area out for them to sit in. In no particular order, here are thanks to the people and groups that made the 2001 Bethel Spring Training Series possible:
Town of Bethel: From the beginning, they have always been super friendly, super cooperative, and super accommodating. From the first town meeting we attended as a group (where one of us wore a U of Ohio cap and the selectman was a U of Mich fan - oops) to the casual "Can we hold the race again this year" phone calls, we've had a great relationship with the town. Obviously, without their consent, the race never would have started or continued or grown. And with their foresight and understanding, they've managed to help grow both the race and the knowledge of their tight knit community - because of the race, people know a town named Bethel even exists! Our many thanks to the town, the Francis J Clarke tenants, and the residents nearby.
Bethel Cycle, with owner Greg Pelican. A super enthusiastic supporter of local racing, he is involved in all sorts of racing, from the Bethel Spring Series to the Housatonic Valley Classic to a 'cross race in the fall. His prize donations (Festina watches among other things) made a few winners very happy, and his support in helping hold the race has been invaluable. He connected us with the Danbury Police Explorers, with Todd, and infused us with an enthusiasm that, honestly, was a little lacking in the past few years. Once again, the Bethel Spring Series engine has been revved and ready to go.
Spinergy, our local high end wheel manufacturer. We are fortunate to have had a good relationship with the company, and they have always been generous, donating a pair of wheels for the overall prizes. One year they lent us a tent (we burned a hole in one). We decided the next year not to ask them for one! Many thanks to them for the generous prizes and the support they give us.
Smart Fuel, the Vermont energy for athletes vendor. They have supplied the leaders jerseys for a few years now, a prestigious garment worn (or displayed) proudly by the racers who have won it. This year was the same, albeit a tad late. But in the end, the jersey's were there, the racers happy. Two of their team riders also dropped off product, snatched up by bonking and hungry racers in a heartbeat. Many thanks for their support.
Danbury Police Explorers. This year, racers noticed a presence of many uniformed young adults. These are the Danbury Police Explorers. As soon as they showed up, they had their first emergency - a racer was kind enough to fall heavily in the first race of the series, injuring himself seriously enough to warrant x-rays. The Explorers were there in an instant, providing support. Later, they were praised in the papers because of their calm under pressure. The second week saw a repeat of the first, and again they were great. Personable, polite, and considerate, they displayed a maturity beyond their years and lent a sense of credibility to the Series. Many thanks to the Explorers for their work at the Series.
Framatome (or FCI), the company that let us use their driveway for a porta-pottie site. Very patient with us, very friendly, and very cooperative. Obviously, without a place for porta-potties, we would not be able to hold as "user-friendly" a race. My thanks to the manager of the plant for his kindness and understanding and to our contact there, Mr. Keller.
Todd, the "registration guy", who worked diligently no matter what the weather conditions (and this year, that meant terrible weather). He showed a devotion to the job which belied all expectations. Quick to learn on the job, quick to adapt, and a very hard worker, he made it possible for the organizers of the race to actually get on a bicycle and race a race! Thanks to you for that.
Mike and Meg Conlan, the husband and wife officiating team, for their early mornings, the long hours, and no breaks to race a bike. They have been officiating the race for about 6 years and have been consistent throughout.
John and Adele Johnson, another husband and wife officiating team, for their day of coverage when Mike and Meg were out. Like Mike and Meg, they have been a constant in the Series, covering when Mike and Meg are out.
Greg Wolf for sourcing, ordering, paying for, and picking up all of the great trophies the Series awarded for the last few years.
Gene Pringle, for his selfless donation of time and energy in organizing behind the scenes and his great help in the registration process.
Cricket, the web designer, who uploaded my updates as fast as I could write them. (This means that this update was very late!).
Berkshire Septic, one of the longest running relationship we have concerning the Series (other than the town). They have supplied, without complaint, our portapotties every single year. Without them, the Series would not have even gotten started, and we thank them for their service.
To all the friends of the Bethel Spring Series, who offer their support, their time, their energy, their criticism, and their compliments, thank you.
Last, but not least, the Racers. For all of you who suffered through the cold rain/sleet/snow, the ice, the bitter cold, and the ever-present biting Bethel wind (along with those rare but greatly appreciated sunny and warm days), thank you for suffering out there with the rest of them. Without your support and approval, the race would have never grown to where it is now.
Thanks to everyone,
Aki Sato
Carpe Diem Promotions
PS: We are here to help all race promoters and bicycle racers to the best of our abilities. Please contact me for sources for numbers, pins, trophies, to borrow certain equipment (and rent others), and for any questions that you might have that we might be able to answer (about racing or promoting). I hope to eventually publish more information directly on the web.
Web design by Cricket. Copyright 2001.
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