Thanks to Slow Bike Race riders, sponsors

To the editor:

Just like the Slow Bike Race itself, we are slow to send out our thanks and appreciation to all who participated.

The Coastal Trails Coalition would like to thank participants of the Slow Bike Race held on Wednesday, July 30. In particular, we salute our brave riders, volunteers and sponsors, including the Tannery Marketplace, Chase & Lunt Insurance, Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, Riverside Cycles, Stone Ridge Properties, Int’l Strategic Info. Services, and Ritz Payroll Services.

Brendan Banovic defended his title of being the slowest rider of all and won first place. Second place stayed in the family, as Brendan’s daughter Edie won the runner-up prize. David Boudreau won the Judge’s Prize for best costume and Sarah Kelly was awarded Grand Prize for being the highest fundraiser.

Spectators enjoyed cheering the VIP riders who kicked off the event. Mayor of Newburyport Donna Holaday and Dr. Gail Fayre of Anna Jaques Hospital returned to ride this year, and VIP newcomers were Geordie Vining representing the City’s Planning Department as well as its director, Andy Port; Kevin McCollum of Newburyport Bank; Dave Boudreau of Institution for Savings; and Damon Jesperson, Newbury selectman. 

In the 2nd VIP heat, spectators saw state representative candidates Ari Herzog, James Kelcourse, Ed Cameron and Steven Stanganelli. However, it was Sen. Kathleen O’Connor Ives’ representative, District Manager Dennis Marcello, who won that heat and the chance to compete in the VIP finals versus Donna Holaday. Mayor Holaday triumphed and won the Rusty Spike trophy, a relic from the former rail bed.

Prize packages for riders included gifts donated by Elements Therapeutic Massage, Spa Paradiso, Anchor Stone Deck Pizza, Newburyport Screening Room, Dragon’s Nest, Nunan’s Florist, Mill River Winery, Yankee Runner, Encompass Premiums, Plum Island Coffee Roasters, Domino’s Pizza, Eureka Toy Store, Amesbury Skate and Sport, Michael’s Harborside, Pottery Isle, Brown Sugar Thai Restaurant, Haley’s Ice Cream, Chococoa Baking Company, and New England Chocolate Company.

On behalf of everyone who enjoys the rail trails, we thank all participants.

Coastal Trails Coalition