2003
CHEROHALA CHALLENGE
Thank you for organizing a terrific ride through your
spectacular part of the world. The Cherohala
Challenge was my second century and my first ride to exceed a century.
Needless to say, I chose the right ride to celebrate
my 51st birthday. But without the excellent rest stops (never had a better Coke
than the one on top of Santeelah!), the mechanical
support that got my front derailleur back in shape at mile 40, and the ever-present
sag wagons, I would not have made it.
I want to emphasize that the ride tested me to my
limits on the climb (next year I will ride a triple!)-- and that the only thing
that kept me going was the fact that sags showed up so regularly I knew if I
started to fade, I would not have to wait long for help. I found myself saying “I'll
keep going until the next sag comes and then decide." If I had not seen
the wagons so frequently during the day, I probably would have flagged one down
and decided to live to fight another day. Although I thanked the folks I saw
before I left, I hope you can convey to all of the encouraging, friendly and knowledgeable
support volunteers how deeply I appreciate their careful preparations and long,
hard work that day.
Since I was in the saddle for 7 hours and forty-eight
minutes, I really appreciated the fact that you kept the wagons going beyond
the stated
Finally, I can only imagine what a complex and nervewracking task it is to chair such an effort. Thank you
so much. I want you to know that your commitment allowed me to exceed a dream
goal I set for myself two years ago when I took up the road again-- to ride
twice my age in two or three years. Had you not planned so carefully, recruited
great people to help, and endured the long day of coordinating this great
event, I could not have experienced this highlight birthday party. All I can
say is thank you very much. I will be telling all my fellow Gaston County
Cyclists and Tarheel Cyclists that this is an event
not to be missed.
Paul
Hutchison, Survivor # 226
Clover,