Some riders, like
Karen Finkelstein and
Courtney Krehbiel, were definitely due nice conditions at Stagecoach. They braved the winds of 2006 (the Bad), the frigid cold of 2007 (the Ugly), and were finally rewarded with glorious weather in 2008 (the
GOOD). We should add the inaugural Stagecoach in 2005 had very similar conditions to 2008.
Many riders have sent complimentary and constructive emails praising the outstanding work of our loyal and hard working volunteers and offered suggestions for improvement. We have passed these comments along to the appropriate individuals. We can assure you, the volunteers enjoyed being a part of your ride experience and they take great pride and satisfaction in exceeding your expectations.
Our Congratulations go out to
Team Descenders, the 40+ Open TTT team that blazed to an overall course win and course record of 5:21:00. Team captain,
Mike Hodges, 41,
Dave Voris, 45,
Dave Guidotti, 46, and
Eric Rehberg, 41, all from San Diego, CA, secured a solid and unopposed victory. They're already planning an even faster performance at the Spring Stagecoach and encourage all comers to come and test their mettle.
We also Congratulate the
249 full century finishers currently listed on the Stagecoach
website.
DJ Mark Hanson took down names and Bib #'s of full century finishers at the start/finish. If we missed you, please send a short email to
Jim with your Name and Bib # in the subject line. We'll update the list until we've got everyone who earned their full century finish.
As many Shadow Tour veteran riders are aware, desert cycling is always tricky. That gentle 5 MPH headwind on the return ride reminded riders of just how narrow the margin is out on the course.
Despite the overall excellent conditions, all riders who completed the full 100 miles
earned their Century finish and should be justifiably proud. Riding this course in January, on a modest mileage base, is a good indicator that you're on the glidepath for an outstanding season of riding.
Many newcomers to distance cycling successfully completed their first full century on Saturday. Well done! Larry and I encourage you to participate in many more century rides as your riding base, experience, and confidence build.
Our good friends at Brightroom Photography are hard at work right now matching your on course photos, shot by
Matt Benedict and his crew, to your Bib #'s. Because so many riders placed their bike plate number on the front of their bicycle, rider identification will be much improved over past years. When Brightroom has completed their compilation, they will let all riders know by email. Here's a direct link to the 2008
Stagecoach Century on Brightroom's website.
Finally, to all riders, from first-timer to loyal Shadow Tour veteran, our personal invitation to join us for future events has no expiration date. Next up, the good folks in Ocotillo, Shelter Valley, and at Shadow Tour are preparing for you again this Spring for an entirely different and
unique version of the Stagecoach Century. We hope you'll join us!
Most Respectfully,
