The bike events of last weekend may be gone, but the memories remain.
The history and love of cycling came alive Saturday, June 10, 2017, at the start of Riverton’s Historic Weekend of Cycling.
Early morning races directed by The Cynergy Cycling Club attracted about 70 riders on 4 different routes.
Lunch was a huge success thanks to Orange Blossom Cafe (adjusting to an hourly count change)…and thanks to Richard Gaughan and John Laverty for the beverage and ice run. Riverton School could not have been more cooperative.
The Bike Safety Rodeo helped young riders learn how to be confident and safe.
The Community Bike Ride began at Riverview Estates.
Riverton Town Historian, Paul Schopp gave an excellent and concise history of bicycling in Riverton. (See Paul Schopp’s remarks here.)
Mayor Suzanne Cairns Wells greeted the riders and opened the program.
Ride Marshall, Bill Hall was applauded for his active support of the Society and lifelong participation in cycling events. The costumed wavers along the bike route were just perfect.
Historical Society of Riverton President Phyllis Rodgers welcomed the riders.
And they were off, led by Helen Mack through the streets of Riverton, waved on and greeted at the historic marker where Riverton’s nationally recognized bike track once existed.
Then down Cedar Street and cheered on. And finally returning to Riverview Estates, which was very generous and hospitable.
Thanks to the efforts of chairperson Iris Gaughan from the Historical Society of Riverton and Matt Morse from Cynergy Cycling, it was a very successful day.
Our newsie, Susan Dechnik, distributed the special June edition of Gaslight News by Patricia Smith Solin and Editor John McCormick, which brought the “biking” weekend into the historical focus it deserves. (limited copies available at Riverton Library; also available online)
Thanks also to Susan for photographing and documenting Saturday’s activities.
The history of this town is rich indeed… every event highlights a rich and fascinating facet of our town… we are proud to contribute to a heritage marvel.
Sunday saw the return of the Historic Riverton Criterium for the seventh time.
After months of planning, securing permissions from Borough Council, soliciting sponsors, and engaging volunteers and technical support, Carlos Rogers again brought the excitement of competitive cycling to Riverton.
Racing in various USA Cycling categories, riders complete 30-45 laps on a .8 mile, 6 turn, flat and fast course through the historic streets of Riverton, NJ, starting and finishing at 4th and Main Streets. (See results here.)
Music from Don’t Fake the Funk DJ Crew, Rob’s Craft Sandwiches and Kitchen Crewser food trucks, a merch table, plus balloon artistry from Twist It Balloons completed this cycling spectacle to kick off the summer of 2017
First started in 2011, the family-friendly event this year continues to draw men and women athletes, amateur and pro, in pursuit of recognition, a cash purse, and a shot at the primes, which are prizes awarded for winning specific intermediate laps during a race. A bell is rung to announce to the riders that whoever wins the next lap, wins the prime.
The roster of participants includes many from NY, PA, DE, and NJ, plus others from DE, RI, MO, OR, WA, CO, LA, and NH, making it a national event.
Part sporting match, part philanthropic endeavor, this new slice of Americana known as the Historic Riverton Criterium has provided over $25,000 in charitable contributions from proceeds of the race to local organizations.
In a fitting climax, the DJ’s loudspeakers blared out Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days,” as Carlos himself led the Masters 45+ race in a rolling start. (19 sec. video here)
Glory Days, indeed.
Thank you, Carlos, riders, spectators, residents, sponsors, and volunteers for another successful Historic Riverton Criterium!
The commentary above is a mashup from remarks by Iris Gaughan, Phyllis Rodgers, Carlos Rogers, and Editor John McCormick
