Please come join us for this Saturday’s Randy Sutherland ALS Charity Ride! In 2004, Randy finished the season as BBTC’s high-mileage leader with almost 3,770 miles over the course of 104 rides. In 2005, Randy was diagnosed with ALS (see http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/amyotrophiclateralsclerosis/amyotrophicla teralsclerosis.htm for more information). He passed away earlier this year. All who had the privilege of riding and spending time with Randy will always remember his infectious enthusiasm for riding and his positive outlook on life. The following is a list of important notes for this event: * The Cracker Barrel is located off Exit 260 on the west side of I-15. (Due to construction, please note that it is NOT located off Exit 263 as listed on the web site and in the newsletter.) * Please park your vehicle on the east frontage road or in front of the Cracker Barrel / Days Inn. The Cracker Barrel asked that we do not use their parking lot since it will likely discourage business. * Sign-up for the ride will be in the circle at the north end of the frontage road – look for the table and large rocks – and will start at ~7:30 a.m. * Voluntary contributions are welcome and will be used for therapy and equipment for victims of ALS. These donations will be given to the University of Utah. Please make your check payable to Dr. Mark Bromberg. If you can’t attend the event but would like to make a contribution, please mail your check to: o BBTC o P.O. Box 65733 o Salt Lake City, Utah 84165-0733 * We will have a short program (~ 15-20 minutes) at the sign-up area which will start at 8:00 a.m. Dorothy Sutherland, Randy’s wife, will tell us a little about Randy and his personal life. Dr. Mark Bromberg will then spend a few minutes informing us about ALS and what is being done to combat this disease. Following their remarks, we will break up into three groups (30, 60 and 100 mile groups) for each of the three ride leaders to answer any questions you may have about each of the routes. * We plan to be on the road by 8:30 a.m. Jacob Sutherland, Randy’s son, will lead us out onto SR-77 for a mile or two in honor of his father (the 60 & 100 milers). * All three courses – the 30, 60 and 100 miler – are well-marked (assuming the rain last night did not wash away the marks!). The 30 mile course is marked with a white “U” and arrows showing the appropriate direction. The 60 and 100 mile courses are marked with “Dan Henry’s” pointing the appropriate direction marked with a “60” and “100” depending upon the course you are riding. Attached are the cue sheets for the 60 and 100 mile courses – a map for the 100 miler is also attached. Please note that the 30 mile course does not follow the same route as the 60 and 100 mile courses, although each route will go by Lincoln Beach. * Please plan to bring enough fluids and/or food to last between stops. This is not a supported event (i.e. there will not be a sag wagon). 30 milers will stop at Lincoln Beach and can there get water. 60 milers won’t be able to replenish until Goshen (31.5 miles). And 100 milers will have rest stops available in Goshen, Nephi, and Santaquin (the Clover Creek in Mona will be closed). The largest elevation gain is through Goshen Canyon at 875 feet. * At present, Saturday’s weather looks like it will be perfect for a mid-spring bike ride – mostly sunny, a low of 50 degrees at the start of the ride up to 70 degrees in the afternoon, and WSW 7 mph winds. Bring a light jacket and/or leg/knee/arm warmers. Please come join us for a great ride in celebration of our departed friend and to help fight ALS. Feel free to forward this email to others that may be interested in attending or supporting this event. Thanks, Greg McMurdie