FRRL Le Tour de Fox Bike Rally
The Fox River Radio League was privileged to lend a hand during the first annual Le Tour de Fox Bike Rally. The rally, organized by Lorraine Beasley (Premiere Event Planner) of the Fox Valley Park District, was held on Sunday, 16 October, 2005. This event was an idea from Fox Valley Park District board member Bill Thompson. Aurora University interns assisted on the planning committee, including Raphael Martinez who assisted at the event.
The team chose that day so the cyclists would be able to enjoy the Fall colors along the beautiful bike trail. Lorraine's challenging 17-mile course began at the Prisco Center and included sections of the Fox River Trail, the Illinois Prairie Path (Batavia Spur), and the Illinois Prairie Path (Aurora Branch). Terrain included paved paths, gravel lanes, rail road track crossings, and a last-minute addition - - - a dirt section recently torn up by a pipe-laying crew! Street crossings, hills and bridges gave the cyclists additional concerns.
As a rally, the cyclists had to maintain time during the race. Park District observers tracked the contestant's time at two check points (one at the 5-mile mark, and one at the 10-mile mark) and at the Finish Line. Crossing any of the three marks ahead or behind time cost the cyclists points. Two timed events were run: The Masters Course required cyclists to maintain a 15 mph speed, and a Sports Course, required "only" 10 mph. To get a feel (literally) of potential trouble spots along the course, Mary Jo and I rode it on our tandem bike a week before the rally. We haven't been on the bike for about 5 years, and we sure did get a feel for the course! And, no, we didn't maintain 15 or 10 mph. Lorraine also covered the course a second time with us using the District's motorized cart, which gave us a chance to check on radio coverage and talk to Lorraine about any concerns. The W9CEQ 2M repeater was our primary communications link to everyone, and it performed flawlessly.
Unlike events like the Walter Peyton Run, this was not a closed course. Cyclists had to be aware of non-participants using the bike path, and of road conditions when crossing several major streets. The FRRL was able to provide very capable personnel as part of the safety net operations. John (N9JI) shadowed Lorraine, and was ready to relay rally-related questions or emergency traffic to her. Bill (W9AX) covered the Finish Line. Keith (N9YA), Dick (KB9UJV), Bill (WB9LPW), Tom (WB9CHY), Dean (KC9EOQ), Roberto (WA9E), Bart (KC9FQA), and Mike(K9FBI) covered street crossings and the two check points. These skilled operators also were flexible enough to handle the last-minute changes that a first-time event like this invariably have. Much thanks to everyone who handled themselves professionally for this rally. Lorraine's planning and attention to detail paid off handsomely, as the rally (which attracted 14 participants) came off without a major hitch. Contestants were generally pleased, and I think that the rally should attract a larger crowd next year. Lorraine will share with the club a copy of all the evaluation sheets when she recieves them.
In addition to their primary concern for contestant safety, two of our radio operators (WB9LPW and WA9E) also were willing to pass out water to the cyclists as they passed their positions. A big thanks, guys. I know that's not a "normal function" for us, but then, what's normal for hams anyway? KB9UJV and WB9CHY did a wonderful job of tracking the contestants through their respective checkpoints. N9YA made sure that cyclists made the first "up and over" maneuver to get from the west side to the east side of the river at Butterfield.
Bob and Mary Jo (N9TLJ and N9TLK) were the safety event co-chairs. In addition, Bob watched over the construction area section of the path, and Mary Jo was the "go-to" girl, troubleshooting positions and making sure everyone got to their assigned spots.
Lorraine Beasley also sent a very nice "Thank You" letter to the FRRL for providing assistance for this event, and is hoping that she can again count on us next year.
Great job, FRRL !!!!
Bob N9TLJ
Here is a map of the 2005 event (requires a PDF viewer such as Adobe Reader): 2005 Le Tour de Fox Course Map
Le Tour de Fox 2005 Photos (click on thumbnail for larger image)
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