My .02
Lorenzo Savarino emailed me from France to say that my wife Robin, Rita Freitas and other unnamed CR listmembers were on the news in France. French television was doing a story on L'eroica. I personally did not talk to any of the press. I just refer them to my PR agent, Bob Freitas!
The mountain bikers past the 38k point were quite evident. There were no officials directing them to turn off at that point. They said a year ago, no mountain bikes, no modern bikes and no registration past October 2nd. All three never came to pass.
Last year, I remember that at the starting point, we had to initial our number, then get our control books stamped. No longer the case, I think the new system worked much better.
Courtney Johnson who completed the 200K ride, received a basket containing wine, olive oil, condiments and a plaque commemorating his efforts. My name was also called out over the PA and I received a gift basket for what honor, I know not. But I was not about to turn down a bottle of Chianti Classico to which we consumed on Tuesday afternoon right after the pro race.
Regarding the pro race, it was well received but the question is the timing of the next race. Will it be earlier in the season or coincide with the October L'eroica date.
Mike Schmidt Stirling, NJ Now thinking about Trexlertown.
On 10/12/07 12:51 PM, "Bob Freitas" <freitas1@pacbell.net> wrote:
>
> I think all these photos are on the 135/200km
> course.Confusing things a bit they seem to have the Pro teams mixed in
> (where they any sightings of Pro riders during the Sunday event??)
> During the Heroes Dinner a Ciclismo reporter spent
> quite a while talking to me so we will see if there is any mention of CR
> riders when it is printed (Rita did a lot of translating as the reporter
> spoke very limited english)
> Tony Bohorquez was interviewed by German TV twice
> during the event so maybe we will see more of him on TV
> I was told there are now enough riders that rules will
> again be tightened for next year (there was a major reduction in MTBs in
> comparison to last year or maybe they were slower and I was faster?)
> This year as we checked in prior to the event there
> were 2 people stamping the route cards one was specifically looking to
> see if you bike met the "Heroic" regulations (toe clips and straps plus
> shifters on the DT) Maybe next year they will specifically look to cut
> off any post 1980 bikes.
> As in past versions only riders with "Heroic" type
> machines were given the prizes at the end of the ride (38k Pan Duro,
> 75km Chianti,Water Bottle and nice canvas feed bag,135km Chianti and
> Olive oil and 200km large gift basket with additional items)
> This year there was also a lottery at the end that gave gift baskets to
> individuals riding "Heroic"bikes where there had been specific awards to
> "Heroic" riders finishing 1-5th in each group in years past.
> With the sponsorship of a major bank there were a few
> notable improvements but this is still a local event with most of the
> course staffing by volunteers from the local community.
> It was nice to meet a few more of our European CR
> clan even if it was only for a short time at lunch
>
>
> BOB FREITAS
>
> rainy MILL VALLEY,CA USA