Mike, 24 years ago, Chico's in Greenville was owned and run by it's founder, Juan. I never knew his last name. Bicycle Post in Greenville and Kinston was owned and run by Gerry Smith, the matriarch, of sorts, of down east cycling.
2 runners and a bicyclist were in Chico's one night, at closing, well over their limit of $10 pitchers of margaritas. They asked Juan to sponsor a race, and he laughed. He told them he'd match whatever Gerry would spend. Gerry was not foolish, so his was a good bet. The following morning, the bike guy went to see Gerry, and told her Juan had agreed to sponsor a race, and asked her to help. She wrote a check for $500. The bike guy and one of the runners took the check to Juan, who couldn't believe it, but kicked in another $500. The route, race planning, and half-baked logistics were planned around my kitchen table, because of the three of us, only I had a kitchen table. There were at least 7 volunteer. The route was planned and a parade permit obtained. The route was marked with chalk from a moving car. Bike racks were "borrowed" from ECU by one of the runners with a golf shirt, a clipboard, and khaki pants, sort of looking official. We even swept part of the bike course the morning of the race. It rained on race day. The entry fee was $15. A good time was had by all. Juan provided a free Mexican meal for all the entrants, and of course, they drank at Chico's until they were out of money. We left Chicos to realize the bike racks needed to go back to ECU. We put all the racks back using a VW van, so they all ended up in one place. An excellent time was had by all, and many of the original participants show up from time to time. Charlie, Barry, and I have come back for the 15th and the 20th. I've made about 5 of them. Barry won the first 8, I think. The race was kept going almost single-handedly after the first 3 years by Kip Sloan, then taken over by various folks until the present system with the TriCredibles. It was at one time, a real fun-time event, and as the sport has progressed, gotten a little more competitive, and expensive, and sanctioned. I think it's $50. I'll probably be there. I'm sure next year, the 25th, will see the 3 amigos show up one more time, to give Gerry a hug and wish Juan was here (he passed away since). Juan always enjoyed the race, and thought seriously about having a Fiesta Dos in Rocky Mount, but couldn't find the volunteer help. Flat run course, flat ride course, sometimes it rains. Once it rained and then turned hot. There's always at least one dead possum on the course, and Some of the old-timers who still ride mountain bikes will run over it, as a rule. -----Original Message----- From: Tandy, Mike [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 3:42 PM To: [email protected] Subject: FW: [COWs] Fiesta Biathlon this Sunday Rob, This looks like your type event and in a good place for you. Just thought I would let you know about it. Mike -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dr Julia R Black Bonner Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 3:37 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [COWs] Fiesta Biathlon this Sunday Hey Just wanted to let everyone know that Fiesta Biathlon is this Sunday in downtown Greenville, so grab a runner friend and make a team or do the run yourself and then hop on your bike and ride. It is a great low key event. Good food follows the race too !! email me with any questions Hope to join you all soon on some rides. Julia -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CyclistsOfWilson-COWs" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. 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