2011 Event Re-Cap
By Marshall Conner
At the start of last Saturday’s 4th Annual Culpeper Cycling Century 217 cyclists rolled down Main Street enroute to courses of 33, 65 and 100 miles in length.
The event filled the area’s rolling hills with cyclists and allowed them to enjoy plenty of natural beauty while the muscles in their legs worked overtime.
It was not a race, it was a ride.
For many cyclists it was a first test of self on a longer course, for others, it was simply a day to enjoy a ride with friends.
Often cycling can be analogous to life.
There are hills, obstacles to overcome and there are times when you can glide and take in the scenery.
There are other times when cycling just takes your breath away.
Often the battles are internal, taking place within your tendons, muscles and mind.
A chill was in the air, borne on gusts that heralded the approach of fall.
Prior to the start of the race John Wray, of Culpeper, picked up his map inside the Bike Stop.
“This is my first time,” said Wray. “In the past, I’ve had to work so I’m looking forward to the 100 mile-course.”
Hours later, the 100 milers started to glide up to the friendly front door of the Bike Stop, the start and end point for all the courses. The century cyclists arrive in various states of exertion, but most can garner a smile.
Wray was among the arrivals, not first, but certainly not last.
“It was very windy but it was a beautiful day with great views. The support staff and all the rest stops were very well equipped and very friendly. The course was well marked,” said Wray following the completion of his ride.
Wray, who is also a marathon runner, spoke about the course and what it took to complete it. He also compared it to his experiences running.
“I ended up riding about half the ride by myself. It was my first, so about half way out to Graves Mountain Lodge I started wondering if I could finish, but about 60 miles in it started to get better. I found a friend to ride the rest of the way with,” recounted Wray. “The 100 mile ride is similar to a marathon in that you go through the mental games ranging from this is fun to wow I am only half the way there. Can I make it? Then comes, hey, I' m getting closer and then the feeling of wow, I am actually going to finish this thing.”
If there was a contrast, it was in the muted reception at the end of the race.
“Nobody is there cheering for you the whole way or at the end,” he added with a grin.
Inside the Bike Stop, the early morning chaos gave way to cyclists just dropping in after the ride.
“I think it is awesome that visitors can ride our roads--- the one’s we ride and enjoy in our community,” said Bob Leftwich, owner of the Bike Stop, the epicenter of the local biking and mountain biking community. “I can’t think of a better place in the state to pedal a bike.”
The event provided a nice burst of energy to downtown Culpeper. It even had local dogs howling as cyclists took warm-up and cool down laps through neighborhoods.
“Having the start in the downtown area really is cool. Riders and their support crews can grab breakfast, lunch and shop after the event. It brings people into the town and that’s great.”
A number of cyclists have even moved to Culpeper just for the cycling opportunities.
“I know people who have moved to Culpeper so they can ride regularly,” added Leftwich with a smile. “Our shop serves as the start and finish point, plus our employees are out today providing mechanical support for riders. We are always glad to help with it. We like to think of ourselves as part of a larger community.”
Community is a fitting description.
Over 50 participants registered as walk-ups, many hailing from other states.
For one cyclist there was a combination of excitement for a ride and more serious business.
Charlie Barrell, spoke as a cyclist first, then as President of the Culpeper Recreation Foundation.
“It’s not raining and I hope everyone will have a good time cycling through the county,” said Barrell. “The funds from this event will benefit the Culpeper Recreation Foundation’s efforts to build and improve on the Culpeper Sport Complex. This will help with the completion of concession building and restrooms.”
Looking towards the future the Foundation hopes to construct trails at the park.
“A walking trail will be the next big project,” he added.
Barrell was thrilled at the growth of Saturday’s event. According to Parks and Recreation figures, there were 251 registered cyclists and 217 who participated in the rides.
The event brought in just over $9,000 last year and it will likely top that figure this year.
“It’s great having more riders each year. I heard 202 signed up in advance of the event. Last year it was 140,” said Barrell. “I’m doing the 65-mile course today. I ride a couple times a week. I’ll be tired for sure.”
As stated, the cycling event’s proceeds benefit the Culpeper Recreation Foundation, a 501c non-profit, that promotes recreation within the county and provides funding and support for the Culpeper Sports Complex.
The Culpeper Parks and Recreation Department staff worked diligently to make the event run as smoothly as a freshly oiled gear.
Parks staff along with volunteers manned the registration tables, made coffee, handed out printed routes and drove support vehicles.
“The weather held out and gave us a pretty decent day, if a little chilly, but all in all it was a great event. The biggest thanks goes to the volunteers, without them this event would not be possible,” said Tabitha Riley, Programs Supervisor for the Parks and Recreation Department.
Many hours of preparation went into the event.
Organizers thanked the many rest stop volunteers along with eight Silver Citizen Club members, who teamed up with Culpeper Parks and Recreation’s administrative assistant Betty Combs to make hundreds of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
The cost of the event was affordable at $45-$55 and participants took home a t-shirt, goodie bag and lots of sweat equity built on the scenic roadways of Culpeper County.
