Glory Days in Riverton

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 at Riverton School

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.

Bike Safety Rodeo

The Bike Safety Rodeo helped young riders learn how to be confident and safe.

Community Bike Ride

The Community Bike Ride began at Riverview Estates.

 

Paul Schopp

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

Mayor Suzanne Cairns Wells greeted the riders and opened the program.

Nancy Hall, Bill Hall, Paul Schopp, Phyllis Rodgers

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.

At the marker, Richard Gaughan rides as Paul Schopp waves

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.

Iris Gaughan, Matt Morse

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.

Susan Dechnik, Phyllis Rodgers

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.

Undated photo, courtesy of Ed Gilmore. Riverton Athletic Assn. Bicycle track

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.

 

 

Carlos Rogers

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.

Starting in the shade because of high temperatures in the 90s

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.)

Newest HSR Board member Keith Fencl checks out the food truck menu

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

Josh Matisoff, balloon twister, entertainer, and decorator. He can twist anything out of balloons.

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.

License plates seen in CVS lot

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.

Wade McDaniels’ snow cones are a Riverton favorite. He recently retired from Riverton School. Happy retirement, Wade!

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.

Carlos Rogers waves as he starts the race

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.

Iris was EVERYWHERE those two days

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

Published by

John McCormick

Teacher at Riverton School 1974-2019, author, amateur historian, Historical Society of Riverton Board Member 2007-2023, newsletter editor 2007-2023, website editor 2011-2023

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