TOUR OF GOOLWA WRAP UP
The 2017 TOUR OF GOOLWA was the best ever! 125 Cyclists accepted the challenge of the four gruelling stages to further the event’s reputation as the premier Veterans cycling event in SA. This year saw an explosion in the numbers of Teams racing. Twenty three teams spread over 4 Divisions saw some wonderful competition not to mention some very smart team kits. The camaraderie amongst all riders was palpable and the huge team of Volunteers worked tirelessly over the weekend to ensure the smooth running of the event. 125 riders, 4 events and NO accidents – something we can all be proud of!
A very special mention must go to all our sponsors. Without them the event would be untenable. The generosity of the Stage Sponsors deserves special acknowledgement.
Eades Transport and Goolwa Caravan and Camping came on board for a second year and Bicycle Fix, Woodside, and Catcorp joined us as Stage sponsors.
The Finniss General Store donated vouchers and provided a wonderful venue for Saturday’s racing.
The Royal Family Hotel also donated vouchers and provided a venue for the Presentations. Many riders and their families enjoyed their hospitality on Saturday night, adding a social element to the TOG.
Ngeringa Winery once again donated some beautiful organic wines. Erinn Klein supports the AHMCC throughout the year, not just at the TOG, so we extend our thanks to him.
Global Office Products printed the program for us once again. Their professionalism makes pre-race organising run smoothly.
Bike Station provided some prize goodies too.
Another repeat supporter is AI Hire at Goolwa who supply the all-important toilets!
Race Director Cliff Grant maintained his sense of humour both in the weeks leading up to the event but also during the event. We thank him for his knowledge and expertise so freely given.
Perhaps not widely known we had a lot of help from some SDLVCC members. Paul McGregor was on board from the start and his enthusiasm for the event was infectious. He worked successfully to get several of the major sponsors on board. Graham King did the booklet layout which involved a lot of time. During the race Richard Tormet and David Milne volunteered their services as Referees. Frank Schoen brought some extra signs and also lent us their defibrillator. Louise Beazley helped with registration and also marshalled.
VLCC also assisted by supplying some hat covers.
The team from AHMCC was awesome. David Degenhardt put out and collected all the road signage, Phil Davill and John Goddard, timing and results, Jason Langbein acquired major sponsors, Chris Cuthbert, Referee and Starter, Avis Pearce and Pam Cotton, registration, JohnToshach was financial controller, Di Tamblyn and Ron Baker provided First Aid, Hal Osman, Bob Bishop, Don and Gwen Taylor and Jyoti Beddome marshalled the courses. Behind all this was the AHMCC Committee.
There is no event without Referees so a special thank you to Bob Cotton, Chief Referee and his co Referees Chris Cuthbert, Tony Fackrell, Richard Tormet, David Milne and Doug Kaesler.
The AHMCC thanks you all. We look forward to the 2018 staging of the TOUR OF GOOLWA and hope you’ll all come along for the ride!
