BBC Volunteers…You Are Very Special!

Once again, members of the Baltimore Bicycling Club have shown their true grit and their sacrificial nature by volunteering to make a signature event—the Civil War Century—a great success!

On a cold day which started cloudy and dry, that went to a 2-hour deluge soaking everyone, with the sun finally shining in the afternoon, this event has affirmed again its popularity among cyclists from this region and beyond, as 70% attendees out of the total of 1019 registrants have shown up—even though bad weather was in the forecast—and without any hesitation proceeded with their intended routes whether it was a full century or other distances that were offered.

There were people of all ages, families, groups of friends, teams, many have been loyal returning cyclists who have enjoyed this event for several years before. Whether completed their intended goal for the day, or not, all of whom returned to the finish line with a smile on their faces!

An event such as this—to be successful—demands a great amount of organization and work. The event organizers Larry Kenney and Cindy Wyatt are credited with their highly skilled managerial capacities, without which such an event could not turn out as it did a year after year, and still attracts so many cyclists, and be a magnet to club members to volunteer in such an impressive way.

These devoted souls do so without any personal gain, and show up in the very early and dark hours of the day to direct traffic to parking areas, check-in registrants, staff and stock rest stops, drive supply trucks, drive SAG vehicles, map the routes, direct cycling route traffic, provide lunch, carry chairs and tables, carry heavy boxes and items, ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, answer questions, hand out CWC socks & musettes, and so many other tasks, too numerous to even try to list here.

At times, with all the challenges we are facing as a society, it is indeed heartwarming to witness such exemplary demonstration of the spirit of volunteering and service to others.

A BIG LOUD THANK YOU, BBC VOLUNTEERS!

Nabil Ali, BBC President

________________________________________________________________________