Carl Andersen Memorial Ride Report:   2002

36 riders registered, and wore yellow ribbons in memory of Carl.   Heavy rains fell all morning, and probably discouraged many riders from coming out to Crowder's Mtn State Park for the 1:30 p.m. start.  But as good fortune would have it, the rain stopped about one hour before the scheduled ride start, and the weather was perfect for the entire ride.  Though perhaps coincidental, it was symbolic that the weather cleared for the ride, which was ridden in memory of Carl Andersen.  Carl liked this ride's previous name, "Press on Regardless," and those that chose to do so today were treated a good, but demanding course.

Thanks go to our volunteers.  Ride organizer:  Chuck Richardson.   Registration: Charlene Angel.  Sag Stops: Nancy Dartnall, Joseph Yandel, Ron Hutchins, Jack Moore, Carl T. Andersen (Carl's son).

Thanks to Joe Sox, Head Ranger at Crowders Mtn State Park, for allowing the club to use the park.  Joe thanked the club for its volunteer efforts earlier this year, which were organized by club president Jack Moore. 

Thanks also to Carl T. Andersen for his suggestion to put registration forms on the website, as 16 riders printed registration forms from the website. 

In addition to his son, Carl was also represented by his daughter, Brenda, who rode the 64 miler.  Carl's wife, Kim, also came out to the start/finish to greet riders as they came in.

In addition to cyclists from Gaston County, participants included riders from Charlotte, Blacksburg, Lake Wylie, Rock Hill, York, Newton, Lincolnton, Iron Station, Clover, & Hickory, & Belews Creek (NC).

E-mail received about ride:

I was looking for a bike ride the weekend of 13 Oct. and came across the Carl
Andersen Memorial ride.  I loaded up and drove 120 miles or so in the rain to
get there.  I just walked in and was met with smiles all round.  I rode the 21 mile
ride on the all flat course (yea Lake Montonia's a pain) .  It was great.  Thank you
for a wonderful time.  I will keep you in mind next time nothing is going on in
my area.
                                                              Henry D. Murray
                                                              Belews Creek N. C.