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Terry Stone Memorial race/Ride Sunday July 27 |
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Friday, 25 July 2008 08:53 |
In April, members of the Blizzard Bicycle Club were saddened to learn that Terry Stone had unexpectedly passed away in Victoria at the age of 74. He had been a Club member since the early 1990s when he emigrated from England. Although most people his age give up physical competitions, Terry continued to race and won many medals at the BC Seniors Games. He was quite an inspiration to us all.
On Sunday, July 27th, Heather and the family are planning to sponsor a memorial race and ride in Terry's honour. The race will be a Blizzard sanctioned 40 km Time Trial starting at the “Welcome to Hudson’s Hope” sign on the east side of town (see the attached map). The route is east along Highway 29 (towards Fort St. John) to a turn around at 20 km and then back to the finish. The road surface is in good shape with paved shoulders and the majority of the distance is level terrain. There are several hills but not extreme grades and not stretching for ever. The turn around spot has good visibility both ways. It is about 8 km west of the entrance to Ardill’s ranch/farm (look for the sign with the Hereford steer). Both shoulders will be marked with stakes and flagging. Study the route on your drive in from Fort St. John.
For those preferring a shorter distance, there will be a 20 km Time Trial which follows the same route and that turn around will be marked with different coloured flagging. Racers doing the shorter distance will start after the 40 km competitors.
The “Welcome to” sign has a large paved area for vehicle parking and the Visitor InfoCentre (Beattie Park) is relatively close for those needing a washroom or a place to change before the race; which starts at 10:00 am.
Even though he excelled as a racer, Terry was a great promoter of social rides as a way to involve all ages in the sport. Accordingly, any non-competitive cyclists are invited to take part in a memorial ride. This will start at Beattie Park at 11:00 am and head west towards the Peace Canyon Dam. Depending on their fitness level, riders can turn around at any safe location and head back. By separating the starts for the race and the ride, and having the cyclists travel in opposite directions, there will be no confusion.
Afterwards, Heather and the family invite all participants to stay for a barbecue lunch at the gazebo in Beattie Park. You just need to bring a chair! This remembrance is intended to be upbeat and you are welcome to share any memories you have of Terry. Perhaps there will be a toast to his memory with a sports drink.
In order to plan for the lunch, if would be appreciated if you could either phone or e-mail Bill Lindsay or Heather Wilson a few days beforehand and let us know if you plan to attend. Bill Lindsay - 250-783-5557, Email cygne@pris.ca. Heather Wilson - 250-783-5566, Email heatherw@pris.ca
Terry’s family hopes that this 40 km Time Trial will become an annual Blizzard event. A trophy or cup is being discussed which could hopefully be presented at the awards banquet in the fall.
After the barbecue lunch is concluded, the municipality operates a heated outdoor pool and public swimming is offered on Sunday afternoons.
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