2020 Tour De Force goes virtual due to the pandemic

Each year on or about September 11th, 200+ cyclists and 50+ support personnel, from around the country, embark on a 4-day bicycling tour.  Past routes have included from Boston to Ground Zero,  The Pentagon to Ground Zero, West Point to Annapolis and Yankee Stadium to Fenway Park.  The 2020 ride was to start at Fenway Park and end at Yankee Stadium.  As a support specialist, one of my duties is to setup and manage several of the many “water stops” along the route.  Unfortunately, the pandemic had forced the organizers to significantly modify the 2020 event.  Instead of the aforementioned traditional group ride, they had decided to host a one-day virtual event on September 12th.  All riders were asked to map out and ride a 75-mile route in their respective city, and submit pictures or a video clip.  There really was no provision for the support personnel.  So, in thinking outside the box I decided to set up a water stop in my neighborhood, as a symbolic gesture to let the riders and organizers know that we are here supporting them.  The event took place Saturday September 12th, 2020 from 11 am to 3 pm.  Neighbors were simply asked, to please take a bike ride, walk, jog, skateboard or whatever through the neighborhood and stop by for some hydration and good ‘ol neighborhood conversation.  We also invited our local sheriffs deputies, police officers and troopers.  A number of people stopped by, grabbed some drinks, talked and made some donations.  Overall it was a great day!



Thanks very much!


Click here for more information on the Tour De Force and my involvement: https://jltdf.blogspot.com


Check out our website: www.tourdeforceny.com

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