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THE 2008 BICYCLE TRAVEL AWARD WINNERS!
Adventure Cycling's nationally recognized award program acknowledges exemplary contributions to the success of bicycle travel. Our next round of awards open July 1, 2009.
The 2008 June Curry Trail Angel Award goes to Bob and Violet Hardison and the First Baptist Church of Sebree, Kentucky. Along with their church, this couple has helped to create a haven for cyclists along Adventure Cycling’s TransAmerica Bicycle Route. Upon arrival, cyclists are guided to a lounge area that includes a shower, kitchen, beds, and couches. They are offered a plethora of amenities including power drinks, soap, towels, and pain relievers. The final touch is a free homemade meal with the Hardisons and other church members. Developed for the hundreds of cyclists that traverse the TransAm Trail each year, nominator, Stephen Coppola calls the service, “an amazing outreach specific to cyclists.”
The 2008 Pacesetter Award has been presented to Lorain County Heritage (LCH) in Amherst, Ohio for placing cycling at the forefront of their mission, and working aggressively to expand the message that cycling is important to the health, environment, and tourism of the state of Ohio. LCH has created 100-plus miles of low-traffic, scenic cycling routes through the heart of Underground Railroad history. The route includes options for riders of all levels and ages and LCH provides information on bike rentals dining, parking, sample itineraries and local history and culture to make the trip enjoyable. LCH also works hard on cycling advocacy, traveling around North Central Ohio to meet with government officials, community leaders, business owners, and residents about the importance of cycling for tourism and the local economy. Executive director, Barb Bickel said, “Lorain County gets many traveling and cross-country cyclists that visit each year…Lorain County Heritage works tirelessly to ensure these cyclists have a rich experience.”
The 2008 Sam Braxton Bicycle Shop Award goes to Continental Bike Shop in Hazel Park, Michigan for their passion for cycling and the amazing service that they offer cyclists traveling in the Detroit area. The staff at the Continental Bike Shop patiently and proficiently guides customers through the process of finding (or building) the perfect touring bike, or fitting them properly for their current bike. They even make house calls (or side-of-the-road calls) in their fully equipped service van and offer a full service coffee bar to encourage customers to stay and chat for a while. The shop’s amazing service goes above and beyond the norm, even prompting their nominator to drive out of his way to get use its services. Trevor Smith said enthusiastically, “We have sent more friends and family members to this bike shop. We know they will end up with the correct bike and get the care they need at Continental Bike Shop.” Continental Bike Shop is committed to getting more people excited about cycling and goes to incredible lengths to achieve just that.
Adventure Cycling’s 2008 Volunteer of the Year Award goes to Fred Hiltz from Shelburne, Vermont for his outstanding volunteer efforts in assisting with Adventure Cycling’s GPS mapping work, along with his contribution to the Adventure Cycling forums, especially the GPS discussion. In 2002 Adventure Cycling began to research adding GPS waypoints to the maps it produces. Fred offered to create a process for the organization and distribution of this data including writing manuals to help maintain its integrity. He continues to consult on this project as changes occur and has recently lent a hand in converting the GPS data to a GIS-friendly format. Jenn Milyko, a cartographer with Adventure Cycling, said in her nomination, “Fred has been outstanding. I know whenever I need an outside opinion from a tech savvy, experienced cyclist, I can count on him to weigh in with a diplomatic, but clear response.” Fred has given over 800 hours of volunteer time to help Adventure Cycling inspire others to travel by bicycle, and Adventure Cycling applauds his dedication.
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