Sunday, September 6, 2009

Cyclefest '09 - Day 3

We arrived at the campground much earlier than yesterday only to find out that we missed a great party last night with an ABBA tribute band providing the entertainment. At 10 am, Kim and Mike arrived with Jolene and McDonald's breakfast offerings for a short visit. A couple of hours later, Heather and I got pulled into a meeting with Waterloo Wings where the future of Cyclefest was being discussed. After 30 years of staging this great event, some people were getting tired and decided to hand the reigns off to somebody else. Sadly, because no other group stepped forward, this was Jolene's first and last appearance at an official Cyclefest. There still may be somebody willing to revive this Labour Day tradition under a different banner but the name Cyclefest would be retired gracefully after 30 long years.

Mike, Jolene and Kim visiting Cyclefest.

Kim and Mike had already left by the time the meeting wrapped up so we took Sandy and rode closer to the covered bridge for some photo ops.

In front of the covered bridge in West Montrose.

The afternoon continued with the annual Bike Games. I even participated in the balloon toss but came up just short. As the games were going on, we also helped with the preparations for tonight's banquet which was catered by the Grand Valley Golf Club. The Waterloo Wings provided cakes afterwards for those in need of a dessert option.

Wendy and Todd at the dessert table.

At the conclusion of the dinner, the evening moved onto the award ceremony. Heather and I were chosen to present awards for the observation run. The proceedings turned very emotional as the Waterloo Wings proclaimed an end to Cyclefest. There were many tributes throughout the night with a special award presented to Kevin and Maysey who have spearheaded Cyclefest for all of its 30 years.

Kevin and Maysey being awarded for the services.

The night concluded with a slide show and a gathering by the campfire. There were already some ideas being discussed for the next Labour Day weekend but everyone was still sharing their memories of previous Cyclefest.

No comments:

Post a Comment