Another annual Waco Wild West Century is behind us. As usual, the tour exceeded expectations. Nearly 1500 riders came out to enjoy the beautiful weather to ride routes of 10, 26, 50, 62, and 102 miles. This years event marked the first time the 100 milers road thru the Crawford country past the Bush Ranch. It also marked the first time the 100 milers had an opportunity to visit the rest stop at M&M/Mars and savor the free candy and ice cream. Oh, how sweet it is!
At 8:00 a.m., after a moment of silence to recognize the victims and survivors of our recent tragedy in New York and Washington, Brandon set the riders off by groups starting with the largest group of tandems we’ve ever had. Three minutes later, the 18+ mile per hour riders were sent out. There was some confusion at this point as some of the 50, 62 and 100 milers followed right behind instead of the 3 minute intervals as planned. In the end, it all turned out well as the huge mass of rides took off across the Franklin Street Bridge. The last rider was in by 5:45 p.m. He was a little sore after 102 miles but proud of his accomplishment since it was the first time he had ridden more than 31 miles!
The ride went off without a hitch, …...well almost. There were a few riders that left their helmets on the kitchen counter at home but the WBC came to the rescue with loaners. There were a few bumps and scrapes but no serious injuries. Then there was the mysterious lost rider somewhere near Mother Neff State Park only to be found after getting a lift in the wrong direction which caused him to miss the sag support. There were the numerous flats you would expect of 1500 riders on country roads which the ever-present sag volunteers attended to. Approximately 6 riders had to give up their aspirations of completing their desired distance after physical exhaustion set in but they were very grateful of the support vehicles that assisted them.
Late in the afternoon a desperation call came in from the closed rest stop in Downsville. It seems a 62 miler was so far behind, the Robinson and Downsville rest stops had already closed by the time the rider got there. Fortunately, there was someone at the Downsville church that saw the thirsty wobbling rider and gave us a call. Sylvia and Rusty rode out to pick up the lone rider. As we approached, he couldn’t get unclipped and fell over into the roadway. Fortunately, his helmet performed its function and he was able to get up with a little help. He said, "Seeing the sag vehicle was the best part of the ride". It turns out the 72 year old Dallas cyclist had taken up riding a bike after 30 years of running had taken its toll on his knees. We loaded the bike up on his car and sent him off with a load of Cowboy blue and silver M&M’s and Munch bars. I think he will be back next year to try the 50 mile route.
As some of the organizers were waiting for the last riders to come in, plans were discussed for next years event. It is a continuous improvement effort to make the Waco Wild West fun, safe, and appealing to riders. Our longevity speaks volumes of our success. One thing mentioned was the need for improved communications between the Ham radio operators at the rest stops and the sag and supply support vehicles. An open radio in each vehicle would be great so we could hear where the stranded riders were and where supplies are needed. The cell phones were useful but its harder to get the pulse of what is going on when you can‘t interact freely with the radio operators. I hooked up with a radio operator at M&M/Mars who had a cell phone so I was able to get communications to and from other radio operators. This was okay but direct contact would be better. It was also noted that some of the earlier rest stops ran out of candy. We will have to apportion supplies better next year.
The greatest thing about the Wild West Century is seeing families ride together. Quality time between kids and their parents is something we all benefit from plus we may have planted a few seeds for a healthy activity that the kids will pursue for the rest of their lives. All in all, the event was a raving success. Thanks to all the Waco Bicycle Club members and friends that helped out. You made a difference at a time we really needed it!