Big Bay 200K Ride Report: May 4, 2003
Ride Organizer's Report
May 4, 2003 was a day to remember for the ten cycling enthusiasts brave enough to challenge some of the hilliest terrain in mid-western Ontario.
There were the usual rollers that anonymously zap your energy, followed by a few more severe climbs where one begins to wonder what happened to their energy. Unfortunately, the rider carrying the only altimeter finished DNF. Another local entrant was suprised to see the group actually riding at 08:00 hrs. When he passed them going the other way in his vehicle with his bike still attached to the rack, he decided not to try and catch the group, thus finishing DNS. Of the nine remaining riders, five were successful in their first ever brevet: Chris Cossennet, Glen Kutbida, Pat Little, Bill Little and Bert Perkins.
by Cary Chappelle
The weather and scenery were incredible. From above Big Bay, riders had the Niagara Escarpment on their left, ice bergs to their right, and one mother of a hill straight ahead. Wish that altimeter had made it!
The lead group of Chris Cossennet, Glen Kutbida, Pat Little, Bill Little, Rolf Hauckwitz, and Carey Chappelle were treated to the sight of a huge buck dancing across the road only meters in front of them as they travelled to Walter's Falls. Come to think of it, that buck was the only sign of life in and around Walter's Falls!
All in all, it was a successful Big Bay 200, and promises to be a favourite amongst local riders. Thanks to Isabelle Sheardown and Keith McEwen for helping make this event a success.