Human Powered Transportation Association Ontario, Canada

 

 

CHIN PICNIC TORONTO 2007
Recumbent Races .

Wow! What a day!

As a participant of the HPTA's first race at the CHIN International bicycle race, I would like to express my thanks to Les Sutch for
pursuing the club's participation in this event. Les followed this all  the way through to the very end, and it worked out very well for all of
us. Way to go Les! We may not see you ride very much, but your unique  talents and dedication to the goals of the club, are always appreciated
by this association and its members!

I want to thank Joe for his help in this event too! Joe made a special  trip to Toronto to pick up the prizes from our generous sponsor, Urbane
Cyclist, at 180 John St., in Toronto. (They are just a few steps north  of the CITY TV building.) Joe and Les also brought down several extra
trikes for our members to use in the second race.

It was great to see so many riders come down to this event, and it was  fun to catch up on all their stories of racing, building and adventure! 
I know, many more wanted to come, but due to the date change, were not  able. Such is the nature of a club's existence and it is understandable.
 For those who were not there, I will say, it  was a great day for a  race!  The sun was shining bright, the air was warm, and the winds were
minimal. The track was a challenge, with some wide turns that could be  taken at high speeds, and some quick ninety degree turns which called
for some heavy braking before entering. I found the track was clean of  debris and I was able to lean very low into the turns without fear of
sliding out. I would race that track again!

On a personal note, I had a few moments on the quiet back stretch to  take in the view and do a little contemplating of life. (It is funny how
the mind works even during a high speed race. lol) I grew up in  northwest Toronto and went to the CNE every year as a child. Never in my
dreams would I have imagined that I would be there, say, four decades  later, racing a bicycle on the same CNE grounds! What a wonderful
feeling. Life is certainly full of pleasant surprises if you make the  effort to act on the opportunities offered to you! I came in second in
the two wheel recumbent class, but riding that course, was priceless!

Hey Richard! Thanks for pedaling those many hours to get to the race  from Hamilton. I always admire your stamina during the race, knowing how
you got there! I even get more impressed when you show me the bike you  rode to get there! lol I hope you enjoyed yourself again!

Thanks again for supporting us and our sport!

Bob Beechy
President,
Human Powered Transportation Association


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