By Ed Downing
Yo riders: Mark your calendars! Oh Melo Velo Special: 100 KM Time Trial (Individual/Team/Tandem) Date: Wednesday, June 16 Time: 5:OO PM (sharp) until sunset Place: Good Hope Baptist Church - Carpenter Distance: 100 KM
In 1995, Ed Downing and Chuck Siewert designed a 100 KM TT circuit consisting of six out and return segments that look like a hand with six fingers. This design offers the opportunity to see other riders coming and going as you navigate the six segments; you won't feel alone out there. In June 1995, in celebration of Ed's 60th birthday, we held the inaugural riding of the circuit with 17 riders participating.
In 1998, due to the closing of Green Hope School Rd, the circuit was modified, eliminating NC-55 crossings in the middle of the ride. All the riders thought this change is a significant improvement and worthy of becoming permanent, thus it is.
All NCBC members are cordially invited to share our pain in 1999. Join the OMV regulars for the fifth riding in celebration of Ed's 64th and Tom Fissel's 48th birthdays. Note that the circuit will not be lengthened by four miles in 1999 just because Ed is four years older nor shortened because Tom has a few years to go. To complete the full 100KM circuit by sunset, OMV will start one hour earlier than usual; we'll start promptly at 5:00PM. If you want to ride but don't want to ride the full 100 KM, you can shorten the circuit by amputating a finger or two. Tandems are especially welcome as Jack and Donna reign supreme with no competition showing yet.
We'll chow and guzzle post TT on Ed's limitless supply of El Dorado 2-4-1 coupons.