Access Press, Volume 17, Number 4, April 10, 2006

Great Minnesota Stationary Bike Race

by Jo Erbes and Terri Ricci

There were over 200 people in attendance at the Great Minnesota Stationary Bike Race for United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota on March 11, 2006 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. There were 20 teams—with participants ranging in age from 4 years old to 91 years young. There were 15 people who participated on either an adapted bike or in their wheelchair or scooter. Access Press had a team racing this year, the Ricci’s Racers had six bicyclists that rode to support United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota. This was the first year for our team and we were uncertain what the day would entail, but now that we know how much fun this day is, we are all pumped up for the race next year.

One of the racers that rode this year was Aileen Fritsch. Aileen is 91 years old and was active in the 1954 telethon of United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota. Other racers included Dale Findlay and Mark Hughes, members of the UCP of Minnesota board of directors. Mark Hughes rode for the first time this year on the Access Press team of Ricci’s Racers. And even though Andrew Roesner was unable to ride alone, he rode on the lap of Dale Findlay. Andrew is a young man with cerebral palsy. The race even brought out Nancy Paradise, the 2006 National Mrs. Minnesota, and Carla Beaurline from Around Town, a TV show that airs on Metro Cable Channel 6, who were riding in stride to support United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota.

First Place team: Brian’s Song, Rich Powers, captain, rode 74.96 miles;

Second Place team: Team Gillette, Patrick Rivard, captain, rode 62.52 miles

Third Place team: Felhaber Flyers II, Jennie Beach, captain, rode 60.86 miles.

The Team Spirit award went to Team Douglas, Team Captain Eric DuVall.

Team Douglas also raised the most money.

Winners for the different divisions were:

Adult Male Division
-- Ralph Kegel
-- Tom McDonnell
-- Eric Riensche

Adult Female Division
-- Sarah Gutnecht
-- Beth Strong
-- Cheryl Shell

Child Division
-- Jessica Kegel
-- Amrit Dabade
-- Cole Stapleton

Youth Division
-- Ted Gelderman
-- Dan Cremons and
-- Katlyn McMullen

Adapted Division
-- Andy Palmquist
-- Tom Turner
-- Dale Findlay

Ricci’s Racers did not win any trophies or any awards for our efforts this year, but our team is ready to do it again in 2007.

Sponsors for the event were Now Bikes and Fitness, Around Town, Disability Viewpoints, Coke, H. Brooks and Company. Dennis Hardy provided DJ services.

For more information on the 2007 Great Minnesota Stationary Bike Race , contact Jo Ann Erbes, Executive Director, UCP of Minnesota, Suite 219 S, 1821 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104, 651-646-7588, TF-800-328-4827 ext 1437 or by e-mail ucpmn@cpinternet.com.