600K (Lakeland-Seville-Lake Lindsey)

Results of the Lakeland-Seville-Lake Lindsey 600K, held 25-26 April 2015, are below. Riding conditions were at times challenging: heat (temps pushing 90F), humidity, and the wind (at times 20mph) all played a role. It was largely dry, but some riders, especially on the second day, got wet (and some got really wet) as afternoon thundershowers were in the area. Those clouds, though, did everyone a favor, including those of us on the (more humid) preride: they kept the sun off us, which was a welcome relief.

32 of 36 who started completed this ride. The course was tough, but received uniformly positive reviews for its scenery and road quality. The route was unique from other, recently held 600s in Central Florida in that the second day was tough: traditionally the second day of a 600K is pretty flat here. To ready everyone for PBP, we sent you into Pasco and Hernando counties, which as you now know have plenty of consistently lumpy terrain to challenge you on.  The route was also long, clocking in at an extra 25km, similarly with the intent to prepare riders for the challenges of Paris.

Hector’s ride was of course noteworthy: No arms, no problem indeed! I’m really looking forward to seeing him crush it in Paris. Dan’s was special, too. He came in a 5am unsure whether he’d return to the course. No one, however, had a more efficient use of time at the overnight control. He came in, had something to eat and drink, caught less than 2 hours’ sleep in his car, took a shower, and then set out again at 7:30am. He kept at it and made it around the course, finishing with almost an hour to spare (more quickly — and looking less haggard — than your RBA did).

A very, very special thanks to our many volunteers. Dan Wallace (#1555) met you in Mount Dora. Ed Bennett (#8312) sat this one out to heal up a bit before the 1200K and did yeoman’s work all over the course: start/finish, Sugarloaf, the forest…. dude was everywhere, including at the ready to help with a spare wheel for a rider in need, which is totally awesome. That sacrifice, camaraderie, leadership, and good cheer is what defines randonneuring.

The most special thanks, though, have to go to Judith and her son, Joe. Judith helped extensively on every single ride this year. Simply put, these rides would not have happened without her, so next time you see her, tell her thanks for her help and for keeping you fed, hydrated, and tended-to at the overnights and finishes. And Joe (#10303 — seriously!), dude … you rock. Puting up with stinky bike riders for a weekend alone would have merited a shout-out, but Joe also helped with your food and getting you guys checked in at the overnight and at the finish. Say hello to the future of randonneuring, right there (and perhaps your next RBA; he’s a natural with the paperwork).

See you in San An in a month, and in Paris before you know it.

-Paul

 

RUSA # Last Name First Name Time
8100 BARTOLIN Matt 38:14
1009 BOL Tim 36:35
7455 DANIELS Lynne 36:53
10301 DENNIS Sharon 34:32
3852 FERRERO Jose 32:37
8397 GRAMLING Don 34:38
9931 GRYDER Susan 36:53
9015 HELMREICH Rich 38:54
9910 KRAEMER Jan 28:04
8963 KUSTERS Marion 34:38
9743 LINK Rob 33:27
4670 LONGLEY Judith 36:35
9105 MANNING Scott 34:19
10276 MELENDEZ Jonathan 27:34
9234 MEYER Rob 38:54
10346 NUNEZ Jayson 34:32
3525 PHELPS Jerry 36:35
9171 PICARD Hector 36:53
9204 PORTELLI Lisa 34:38
6985 RODEGHIER Rick 34:38
4886 ROLON Steven 33:33
2955 ROZELLE Paul 39:18
9310 SCHRECK Dan 39:05
7456 SCHMITT Paul 36:53
41 SOLANICK Jim 34:13
4226 THOMPSON David 33:00
3884 TORRES Alejandro 36:53
6371 VARGAS Luis 33:33
4889 VAZQUEZ Maria del Pilar 32:37
9794 WALKER Dougin 32:52
9266 WILLIAMS Mary Lu 33:27
5638 YURKIW Jay 39:18