2011 Participant Comments
I just wanted to express my gratitude for being a part of this amazing cycling experience. I knew I was in for a great time, I just didn't realize how awesome it would really be and that it ranks in the top as my favorite cycling experience to date. The only thing that would trump this, is to come back next year and do it again. I also wanted to let you know that it was a well run event from the cyclist I met along the way to the people at the various stops well positioned throughout the ride. Well done, … I will see you next year for sure! Oh and by the way, Joe Homer is a real inspiration and a stand up guy. He's quite the cyclist and an exceptional climber!
Greg Bouvier, Attleboro, MA – Boston Sports Club
I certainly had a blast all 5 days. This was the best TDK so far I believe. The signs were great, food stops had all the necessary stuff. Back at IROC, the BBQ and pasta was great, as were the smoothies. All the IROC staff was friendly and did a wonderful job. The sag drivers were always a short distance away, and we would see them regularly. All 5 routes were fun. Please congratulate Julie Gunn and all her staff.
Marc Bouchard, Newport, VT - Kingdom Velo Group
We have finally settled back into the flat plains of Nova Scotia. I wanted to pop you a line and thank you and to let you know I had a more than wonderful experience in the Northeast Kingdom. … It was a great event, which all people were able to enjoy (competitive to relaxed), and I met the awesome Boston Mass Livestrong Gang, whom I will be connected to for a long time. Your volunteers were upbeat, dedicated, and fun. Katie even loaned me her vehicle Saturday afternoon with no hesitation to go to the Garneau store. Those are the little things that make a huge difference. Your relaxed nature made everyone feel comfortable, and I think this event can keep growing to become an amazing fundraiser and asset to Newport. Thanks again for all of your hard work, great personality and hospitality.
Dawn Moxsom, Truro, Nova Scotia - Hub Cycle
I want to thank you for the great event you co-ordinated and the hospitality that was afforded to the Truro, Nova Scotia contingency. It was an extraordinary good time and there were more than enough hills to satisfy any masochistic cyclist, even the women from Truro. Thanks for the Fig Newton cookies and watermelon. They were a welcome addition to the food stops. It seemed to me that the many of the other cyclists were voting the same way with their hands and mouths. Not so sure about the pickles. Was there any way to judge the popularity of these new items.
Bob Williams, Truro, Nova Scotia – Coach to Hub Cycle Riders
Becky and I had a great time and were certainly challenged by the event. Of course that is why we signed up. We met some great people and enjoyed seeing people we had met before. You and your staff made us all feel welcome. The route was perfectly mapped out and signed. The rest stops (although we didn't really stop) were friendly and helpful. We especially enjoyed observing the sportsmanship of the participant from Arizona as well as the concern each biker had for other bikers with respect to safety etc. I enjoyed the hamburgers and other munchies at the end and of course the IROC facility itself.
Tom Sweeny, Gorham NH (a great cyclist and volunteer Kayaker at Kingdom Swim)
Thanks for a great event (and terrific experience)! Also, really enjoyed the pictures. incredibly beautiful and very nice group of people. Really appreciate it (and hope to see you next year).
Richard Forrest, Newton, MA
Thanks for your hard work on the Tour this year. It was a fun event. Friday's ride in particular was well-supported. Nicole Schneeburger was an incredible asset this year: she was upbeat and seemed to be everywhere during the ride. Thanks to you all.
Chris Sullivan, Newport, VT – Kingdom Velo Group
Congratulations on pulling this off. Well done on all counts! I loved meeting Katy and the volunteers out on the route were terrific. And oh, what views you have! It was stunning. I am still marvelling at what a great time I had this past weekend. Coming solo was a great decision as I met so many great people that I might not have connected with if I was "tied" to my regulars.
1. Little Gnesta is a nice B&B. Ruth is just getting started and she strives to please. Since her theme is swedish inspired, we talked about having a masseuse available to rub down sore muscles. Coincidentally, she has a friend who is a massage therapist and yoga instructor in town. So there might be some cross promotion there.
2. I really enjoyed dining together at Thursday's restaurant. (Le Belvedere) Great food, conversation and a great start to the event.
3. Written directions would have been nice on Friday's ride. If we are to print them off beforehand from Map my ride, that would be fine but I was counting on having them at IROC. Good thing I was always following someone so I didn't use the map at all.
4. I am eternally grateful for the Kingdom Velo rider who accompanied me in on Friday. He introduced me to the Newport bike path skirting the downtown traffic (which allowed me to show other new friends this same route on Saturday). He also stopped at the top of Shattuck Hill to let me enjoy the view but I really think he was allowing me to catch my breath since I had nothing left in the tank after 80 miles. He was a mentor for me to extend this courtesy to others. High marks for being such a great host.
5. Those of us who knew about the bike path loved it. Please consider adding that as part of a non-race option.
Thanks for all the photos. It's nice to relive it all. Hope to see you next year.
Marianne Eaton, Bristol, VT
Just want to tell you again how much I appreciate the hard work your group puts in to organizing these fantastic rides. The word is certainly getting out there about how good they are judging by the increase in numbers each year. I especially enjoyed Friday's ride with lunch at the Abby. Saturday's ride was tough (up and over Jay twice but actually found the road out to Richford and back to Montgomery harder). I will look forward to doing it again and being able to make the circle. … So I want to thank you and your group so much for organizing these great rides, the incredible feed stations with porta potties and great food and wonderful volunteers. My only comment is keep up the great work and I look forward to returning next year, hopefully with friends,
Trina Hosmer, Stowe, VT
Thanks to you and your many helpers for organizing such a wonderful event. I was very happy to ride and finish my very first century. I did race in college, but I stopped after I graduated and put on far too much weight. When I started riding 4 years ago I had to rest 2 or 3 times to go 7 miles. Since then I've lost 30 pounds and thanks to you I've just finished a century. … Thanks again, I'm sure that we'll try to go next year.
Seth Frisbie and Erika Mitchell, East Calais, VT
Evaluation: Tour de Kingdom by Pete Salomone
Announcement – all needed information is on the website. Most riders want to know about the routes, cost and registration which are the top two on the menu bar. Routes – Lots of miles were excellent – views, smooth pavement, no cars. Only some miles had lots of traffic & potholes. … Rest stops – excellent. Water, drink mix, bananas, Clif Bars and lots of other carbs. I don’t remember anything salty. And we got lunch. Intersections – WT&F rides had leaders & sags marking turns. On S&S signs were at turns. Sometimes signs did not include which route #(25, 50, 75, 100) on them. All signs should have the route #s. Sags – excellent. On WT&F a sag was going by us every few miles. On S&S there were fewer sags for non-timed riders. Value – excellent Conclusion – No other ride gives so much. I’ll be on this ride next year and will bring some friends.
Pete Salomone, Plainfield, CT
Even the Volunteers had a good time
Thanks, Phil. The recap, comments, and photos are wonderful. My husband and I really enjoyed the day. The riders were very appreciative and wonderfully friendly! And thanks for the port-o-potties!
Carol