Ride Report - August 30, 2007

Westboro, Season Finale Ride at Little's Bar

The season finale ride is always a mixed blessing. We have a chance to enjoy the special awards ceremony but also must face the fact that the road biking season is starting to wind down a little. This year, we also had to adapt to the news that Bryan Borman was not able to make the ride (this may be the first season closer without Bryan as Master of Ceremony, but more on that later).

Those in attendance included a large group from Phillips with John, Joe, Scott and Nancy, Marc and Megan, Todd and Julie, Vickie back on the bike for the first time since the accident a couple of weeks ago, and Mark Wenzel was able to come back for a final(?) ride with the group. Jeff and Chris came down from the north country and represented Park Falls and Butternut. Representing the southern contingent were Tom and Katrina, Nathan Poe, and Ken Jones. Ken Kraft, fresh from knee surgery, helped Chuck Little start the ride with the traditional shot gun salute. Ken then went out on the route and took pictures of the group from a number of places (watch for those photos to be posted on this web site in the future).

The route was the traditional season ender around Mondeaux Park. We rode west on Cty. Hwy. D which started with everyone's favorite climb up cemetery hill. Scott Anderson took the lead and turned into the cemetery. Unfortunately, no one followed, so he sprinted back up to the main group.

The traditional Prime location at Mondeaux Road was won by the Harris Tandem, second place went to Jeff Scherer, and third to Mark Wenzel. The group stayed together up the big hill on Cty. Hwy. E, and headed into the park from the west entrance. A civil pace was enjoyed by all until the last climb out to Hwy. D when the big dogs started to play.

The traditional finish line sprint and season championship went to Jeff Scherer. Ken Jones took second, and Marc Peterson got third.

As mentioned at the beginning of this post, Brian was unable to participate due to some pressing civic duties he had to attend to. Fortunately, he had time to create some of his unique awards and find an able body to fill in for him. Ken Kraft took the stage wearing a stunning hand panted zoot suit and his hair was specially coiffed in long black locks.

Special Awards were distributed as follows:

The big can of "Whoop Ass" went to Joe Coyle for the most aggressive rider.

The "Most Miles to Get to a Ride" award went to Jeff and Chris from the far side of Price county. However there was a challenge made by supporters of Ken Jones who now officially resides in Puerto Rico (and summers in Abbotsford) but the rebellion quickly was put down.

The "Silver Sew Up" went to Mark Wenzel for his dedication to the sport of cycling and his creation of this web site.

The "Youngest Rider" award went to Mark's son Wally.

The "Bicycle Almost as Clean as Bryan's" award went to Todd Zumach.

John Hendricks got the "Forgotten Cleat" award.

Nathan Poe was the first (annual?) recipient of the "Best IT Rider" Trophy. He is still wondering what happened to the hard drive in the full sized beige tower, Pentium 1 computer he received.

The not so coveted "Bronze Band Aid" award went to Vickie Roberts for obvious reasons.

And finally...

The most coveted award of the season, the "Golden Gizzard" went to Patty and Mark Wenzel for their Mexican themed post ride meal that was provided to the hearty souls who got to ride in the Phillips "Stormy Night" ride which featured rain, high winds, hail and three flats for Nancy.

The evening wrapped up with Mark Wenzel stepping into his leadership shoes as President and calling for the election of a new President. Mark was not able to get the announcement completed before someone nominated Megan Peterson. A unanimous consent quickly followed. Megan seemed a bit concerned about taking on the responsibilities and duties of this high office, but several former Presidents all told her "don't worry about it. Bryan takes care of everything".

Oh, and Julie did provide some excellent treats too.


That brings to a close another fine season of biking by the Flambeau Freewheelers. We once again had new riders join us (all you have to do is come to one ride and you are in) and some riders appear to have left us (has anyone seen Russ Blennert this year?). The club continues to prosper. I don't know how much is in the kitty, but Bryan will perform his financial magic to keep us solvent over the long cold Wisconsin winter.

Since Day Light Savings Time has been extended by our Federal Government, rides are planned to continue on Wednesday nights in Phillips for a while. They will start at 5:30 pm. The first ride will start at Todd and Julie's house. See you there, and see you next Spring on the roads.

Good Pedaling,

Todd Zumach



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