Show #313 – September 15, 2016

Guests: Richard Fries, Eric Weis, Kelly Hodgson

Middle of September already and we are deep in cross season.

This week, Diane talks with KMC Crossfest’s consummate announcer – and promoter – Richard Fries. While we do discuss Crossfest, we delve into a lot more of the issues and successes that Richard is addressing as the head honcho at Mass Bike.

After two fatal crashes in one day, Richard dropped into high(er) gear than he usually uses to pursue his passions and the results of what might be coming next are quite thought provoking.

Then, we catch up with Eric Weis, who is in full-tilt boogie mode as the New England Builder’s Ball nears the launch date.

Last year when we spoke with Eric, he was wrapping up his long tenure as the head of the East Coast Greenway Director of Development. He’s passed that baton and after a couple of months off to pursue some of his long-held dreams of bike touring and more – which of course did not turn out exactly as planned – he is hard at work putting the finishing touches on the New England Builder’s Ball and KMC Vendor Expo.

The Ball and the KMC Crossfest move to a new venue this year – Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in Thompson, CT (I know you can hear that announcer yelling “Sunday-Sunday”).

The NE Builder’s Ball is a one-of-a-kind event, taking place from 7-11pm on Friday, September 30th. The new venue, which is a huge storage barn for vintage cars, is going to see some interesting action as the cross races ride right on through the middle. Oh, and did we mention there will be free beer?

Let’s let Eric tell you the rest.

Finally, we hear a heartwarming story about United Cycle and Sport Central in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. United Cycle’s Kelly Hodgson fills us in on the details of the $500,000 in sports equipment and supplies his organization promised after a devastating fire forced more than 80,000 people our of their homes in Ft. McMurray last year.

Sport Central’s commitment doesn’t stop with the 53’ semi that delivered the equipment; rather, it has set up a permanent office to continue to help the community rebuild.