The first annual Rocky Hill Cycling Classic took place on June 30th 2007. Overt 325 cyclists entered including almost 80 professionals. While the organizers of the event have a list of things we can do better, as could be expected from a first year event, we have heard nothing but positive feedback from the participants and residents that actually saw the race happen. Many residents have come up to me and told me how happy they were that we had such a great event in our borough and that we should definitely do it again. I’ve been told that it is generating the same sense of pride in the community that the Bid’n’Buy of years ago did. I spent a good amount of time during the day talking to cyclists who told me they thought it was one of the most beautiful courses in the state.
The race committee raised $5,500 before expenses for Rocky Hill organizations. Those organizations include, Rocky Hill Hook & Ladder Company, Rocky Hill First and Rescue Squad, Mary Jacobs Library, Rocky Hill Cooperative Nursery School and the Rocky Hill Community Group. Given the multiple reschedules and very late start at fund raising I am very impressed with this number. Now that we know we can successfully attract a strong field of cyclists and spectators, I would expect to see that number grow significantly next year.
The race could not have happened without the hard work of many volunteers. Members of all of the receiving groups helped all along the way as part of the race committee. Special thanks to our Fire and First Aid Squads for all of their dedicated support, especially on race day. This race could not have been successful without the tremendous individual efforts of people such as Steve Seeley of the First Aid Squad, Ted Merritt of the Hook & Ladder Company, Courtney White of the Borough Council, Janine LaCava of the Nursery School and Melissa Bernardis of the Recreation Committee. Please join me in thanking them whenever you can.
In the end, it was a great event that accomplished both missions I set out for it when we started almost 18 months ago, to raise money for our local organizations and bring positive name recognition to our beautiful borough. I look forward to the second annual Rocky Hill Cycling Classic. Please volunteer to help.
Ed