Different Spokes For Different Folks

The weather could have been better for the Tour De Lyme on Saturday, but even the occasional downpour couldn't dampen the spirits of the roughly 275 cyclists who turned out. That was fewer than the 330 people who had preregistered for the event, but it was perhaps just as well given this was the first time it was being held and parking was at a premium. 

The cyclists, who came from as far away as New York, New Jersey, Long Island, Massachusetts and even Colorado, had nothing but good things to say about the courtesy of the drivers with whom they shared Lyme's winding narrow roads. They also raved about the picnic that followed, which included hearty BBQ for meat lovers and vegan offerings too. 

Lyme ambulance and fire and state police were on hand to ensure all went smoothly. Aside from a few cases of "road rash," Lyme Conservation Land Trust Executive Director George Moore said there were no major injuries—and head counts confirmed that all those mountain bikers who raced off through the woods were present and accounted for at the end of the trail.  

The highlight, of course, was that riders were able to enjoy the views as they traversed some of the 3,000 or so acres of preservation land of which the Lyme Land Conservation Trust is now steward. The entire event was to raise money to help the Trust continue with that mission.  

While the final tally isn't in yet, riders paid $50 each to ride in advance, and if they contributed additional $250 they got a special riders jersey and a cocktail party. Corporate sponsors ponied up $22,000 to pay for the event, of which there is money left over. All the money raised will go into the Lyme Land Trust's General Fund, and if you do the math, quite a lot was raised on Saturday. 

"It so far exceeded our expectations," said Moore, who admitted he had a few fears early in the planning stages that no one would show up. "The registrations were just pouring in."

And even though, on the big day, it was just pouring, Moore said, "They all came back in the rain, soaking wet, smiles on their faces."