Gold Sprints at Walden's - December 2009

Finally, a report from the evenings festivities....Everyone who showed up and braved the icy roads was treated to two-up sprints for fame and glory. Beer specials were taken advantage of, raffle tickets sold, and eventually a ticket holder (Dave P. from Sparks, NV) walked off with a brand new Raleigh SSCXWC frameset. We also raffled off an issue of Cog, a DVD of Macaframa, a Chrome bag and some goodies from New Belgium Brewing. In addition we crowned a men’s (Pete) and a women’s (Amber) winner, from a pool of 8 men and 2 women. Low numbers did not mean slow people, as Pete was able to put down a smoking 19.12 time for 400m. We also opened up the contest to grudge matches between spectators, and had two pairs contest the regular 400m. In addition one pair raised the bar and opted for the excruciating distance of 1000m.

The equipment worked well and the two hiccups that occurred, one with the final heat (which was repeated) and the other in the Kilo grudge match, were both laughed about and easily dealt with. In the future we have developed a few ways to prevent the software glitches. In addition we have come up with some bracketing techniques to ensure that everyone has a chance for each of the places and knows where they are in their heats. I am also designing a ‘better’ racing platform for the bikes that should be unveiled at our next event.

Mark Trujillo, the owner of The Hub Coffee Co. & Walden’s was pleased to host the event and while the number of people at the event could have been higher, those who did show supported the venue by buying beer and coffee. I would like to think that some who came who did not know of Walden’s or the Hub before that night will in the future stop by and support these two places. In addition, I hope the people who showed up at this event have come by to support Rubicon Deli, who was nice enough to donate sandwich packages to the winner, and have spread the word to others to do the same. I would also like to think that by being part of an event like this, that those who already knew about and supported the businesses who sponsored this event, are more likely to stick their head in and support them in the future.

A percentage of proceeds from the event, $200, collected from entry fees and raffle ticket sales, were donated to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, which informed us would provide meals for 800 families who need them.

Everyone, including Walden’s and Rubicon Deli, helped to make this event a success, helping us collect the money we were able to donate to the Food Bank, and ultimately allowing us to put on a great event. Thank you again to everyone who showed. We are hoping to put another event on in March or April and would love additional support. We are switching venues, even entertaining the idea of going outdoors: maybe a full roller race; gear restricted; bring your own bike? If you know of anyone who would like support our future endeavors please shoot us an email. Gold sprints are a great way to keep out the winter blues, and we will be doing more Gold Sprints, but taking them off the fork racks and bringing them back to the golden days may serve as a way to show off your winter training. We’ll keep you posted as details ferment.