The long ride
Cyclists from across the province pedal in Annapolis County Road Race
Veteran cyclist Edward Walsh, with the T-palm PCW team, picked up top spot in the Annapolis County Road Race June 10, pedalling 93 kilometres from Annapolis Royal to Middleton and back in just 2:19:46.2.
But it was a close race with Jeff Muise of Framework Racing just a fraction of a second behind him at 2:19:46.3.
The top female racer was independent racer Jenny Jones who pedaled the 93 kilometres in 2:39:32.6.
“The race was very well received by everyone,” said organizer Sean Duff of the local club, the Roadents, of Brickton. “They liked the fact that is was one lap, which is unusual for Nova Scotia where multiple laps, even a dozen in a race, are the norm.”
He said the long lap meant the competitors could see more communities and scenery without getting bored or losing count of where they were in the race.
Duff said there were 65 who completed the race, but three were disqualified for rules violations. There were four others who registered but did not start.
The Start
The 93-kilometre race started at the Annapolis County municipal building in Annapolis Royal with opening ceremonies and instructions for riders.
About half of the participants were from the Halifax Regional Municipality, while the other half came from Yarmouth, Cape Breton, the South Shore, the Annapolis Valley and a trio from New Brunswick, said Duff.
“We have age-based categories (under 13, 15, 17) for youth in order to avoid injuries that may hinder their physical development. These categories will have restrictions based on race distance and gear ratios, for example,” Duff said. “We also have ability-based categories which place riders of similar strengths together. For men, the top category is A, then B, C, and D, while for women, the highest is AF, then BF and CF. When there are few people in a specific category, we merge it with another in order to create a decent pack size. They race
The Berwick Library is running a summer reading and learning challenge from June 23 until Aug. 18.
Pre-register online between June 16 and June 22 and be entered to win a Nova Scotia Museum Family Pass. This includes 57 days of reading, activities, prizes, special library events and other fun activities. It is for kids, teens and adults. Register at www/valleylibrary.ca
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Hilda Pulsifer and Marjorie Saunders accompanied Gertie together but are scored separately.”
The long race wasn’t the only race Sunday. There were three routes: Annapolis Royal to Middleton on Highway 1 and back on Highway 201 (93 km; A, B, AF), Annapolis Royal to Bridgetown on Highway 1 and back on Highway 201 (46 km; C, BF, D, CF), and Bridgetown to Annapolis Royal on Highway 201 (21 km, U17, U15, U13).
The weather
“The weather was perfect with temperatures in the teens, making it very comfortable for the riders,” said Duff. “The wind was light and not much of a factor.”
He said there were a few incidents with motorists, though not as bad as he’s seen in other places. “There were impatient drivers who made left-hand turns immediately in front of an approaching pack of cyclists, putting lives at risk in order to avoid waiting five seconds on the highway,” he said. “There was someone who called the police to complain about cyclists riding three abreast. The officer had to follow up on the complaint but did not pursue action because I, as an organizer, had obtained permission from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal to hold a bike race on a provincial road, a fact the officer was already aware of since the RCMP receives a copy of TIR permits.”
As for the course itself and the local hospitality, organizers were pleased.
“The racers were very happy with the course and with the reception they received from the community,” Duff said. “The race was competitive, challenging, fun, and scenic, adjectives frequently used to describe it. We have received several requests to hold the event Cooke to Annapolis Royal at the end of May. They were luncheon guests and also visited Mary Perkins.
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The Macpherson Auxiliary held their closing dinner on June 4. again next year.”
State of cycling
“The state of competitive cycling in Nova Scotia is difficult to describe,” said Duff. “Attendance numbers fluctuate in response to the state of the economy and to the variety, quantity, or even quality of events offered in any given year.”
He said highway regulations or permit conditions can affect racing traditions and even safety protocols, which discourages some organizers from putting on events yet motivating others to get things done.
“However, in spite of these changes, there is a core population that continues to find ways to race their bicycles on public roads, and they are the reason we, Roadents Competitive Cycling, exist,” he said.
The Sunday race capped off a week of cycling activities during Bicycle Annapolis County Week that happens in June of each year.
“We’re very pleased, right from bicycle rodeos we did at the schools, to Bike to Work Week,” recreation manager Debra Ryan. “To have a provincial road race here in Annapolis … it’s been absolutely amazing.”
Ryan said people are riding bikes these days.
“We’re trying to grow that culture, and we’ve seen an increase in bicycle use, both on the rail trails – the Harvest Moon Trailway – and our roads too. With the ‘Share the Road’ signage and the excitement today, that really makes a difference.”
She anticipates a good summer of biking ahead. “We have some events happening throughout the summer too, and we encourage people to get out on their bikes and to be safe.” ***
ACW of Christ Church held a closing dinner at The Driftwood, June 5.
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St. Eudora Rebekah Lodge met June 6 for their regular meeting. The charter, which had been draped in memory of Gladys White and Eleanor Downing, was undraped. It was then re-draped in memory of Mary Mcmillan. Francis Burns was the chaplain for the meeting. It was reported that Sister Geneva Dorey is in hospital.
The hall has been rented out in July for an anniversary event. The group will be having a yard sale during the town-wide yard sale on July 28.
Sister Julia Cox read a verse for two members before presenting them with their jewels. Francis Burns received a 15-year member jewel and Joan Osmond received her 25-year member jewel. The next meeting will be June 20 starting with a potluck luncheon at 11:30 a.m. This will conclude the meetings for the season.