When the train left the capitol at midnight about 30 riders were on board but a lot more jumped in as we negotiated around gaggles of students getting their labor day weekend started. When the hammer dropped at PD roughly 60 headlights streamed past. The group was rather diverse, from full kits on carbon wunder bikes, to panniered tourers, a couple tandems, and everything in between except there were no representatives of the recumbent sect.
A veteran from last year (sorry, I'm terrible with names and details like that weren't sticking to my brain after sunrise. So winner dude, give me your name and I'll insert it here) took the win and led us on a speedy trip back to the tunnel. The miscreants from BLM camped out in the tunnel all night long and greeted the rest of us with a volley of fireworks and metal when we retured for the awards ceremony.
A smoking fast couple on a tandem reached the border in the lead pack and took home a trophy on their bicycle built for two. Another award for "#1 Civic Duty" went to the group that stopped to buy their state trail passes at 2am. Thanks to djonnymac for bringing an additional trophy which went to my wife (yea, it was rigged) who stepped way outside of her comfort zone to do her first ride over 50 miles (clocking in over 75 for the night), first night ride, first time drafting, first time falling asleep while riding which lead to her first flat, and still had the energy to push the pace and taunt other riders on the way home.
Thanks to Chad, Leslie, Jin, Margaret and Rex for volunteering to help put this thing on, it couldn't happen without your time.
Thanks to the Ale Asylum for more than fully stocking the trailer.
Thanks for all of your donations; I'll be cutting a check to The Friends of the Badger State Trail for $200.
And thanks again everyone for making it a great night, we'll be doing this again...
The event photographer is MIA so more snapshots will show up later this week, but check out what others are putting up:
Words and pics from a member of the "#1 Civic Duty" crew
