2000, First Annual
2001, Second Annual
2002, Third Annual
2003, Fourth Annual
2003, XBA Random Event: @ the USPro
2004, Fifth Annual
2005, Sixth Annual
2006, Seventh Annual
2007, Eight Annual
2008, Ninth Annual
2009, Tenth Annual (new!)
2000, First Annual
back to top photos of first annualTook place Friday before Memorial Day. Riders Mike Day and John McConnell. Departed from St David's 6 am. Stopped at SJP for Sausage Egg and Cheese. Hitchhiked over Ben Franklin Bridge (bike catwalk was closed). Cruised through Camden, waved to Howard Hill furniture. Bike broke down. Assisted by the monkey wrench of a Harley driving woodsman in the Pine Barrens. New ball bearings installed into Day?s bike. Riding resumed. Learned how to ?draft?. Perfected the ?Rad? high five. Made it to Avalon by dark.
Total Trip Time: 12 Hours
2001, Second Annual
back to top photos of second annualTook place on a dog day, early July. Riders Mike Day and Brendan Day. 75th anniversary year of the BF Bridge. Catwalk open! No mechanical problems. Large shoulder added to formerly life threatening strip of Camden highway. Drafting accident involving minor MD road rash. Luxurious Wawa stops. To Sea Isle in time to swim by the guards.
Total Trip Time: 9 Hours
2002, Third Annual
back to top photos of third annualRiders Mike Day, John McConnell, Matt McConnell, Devin Finn. Devin suffered road rash crossing Girard Bridge construction site. Patched up by Security Chief at SJP. Enjoyed beautiful city vista from summit of Ben Franklin Bridge. First annual pace car driven by Dan Cellucci. Riders perfect art of ?pulling? the peloton. To Avalon in record time, 8 hours.
2003, Fourth Annual
back to top photos of fourth annualAround 8 am Sunday morning 13 brave riders set out on the shore bound journey from the parking lot of St Joseph?s Prep. Conditions in North Philadelphia were cold, wet, and windy yet XBAers remained inspired by distant Wawas and the encouraging grunts of local tailgaters.
The ride began on a bleak note with an OTB Blood donation by XBA veteran Devin Finn. Despite the scary fall, last years women?s division champion is ok and excitedly looking forward to XBA2k4. Other blood donations came from Tim Day when he aggressively attacked Black Horse Pike Wawa #3 in his first annual Wawa stop on the way to the shore. Inside the peloton Matt and Mike McConnell suffered minor scratches following a road kill gaper crash. Both riders were ok and appreciated the short break following the entanglement. In senior news Fran Day, Dennis Finn, Paul Geraghty, John R McConnell and John Rooney were the first participants.
Total trip time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Thanks to XBA Post game Barbeque Host Gwen McConnell, XBA emergency shuttle driver Eric Greenspun, and the Day, and Rooney families for their post game support.
2003, XBA Random Event: @ the USPro
back to topTwo weeks ago the XBA reestablished its presence at another one of Philadelphia?s premier biking events, the Wachovia USPro Championship Bike Race. If the there was any question regarding the degree of extremity at the USPro, all doubts subsided upon entrance of the XBA.
The adventure began in Conshohocken. In typical XBA fashion, riders set out at the crack of dawn in what would eventually become an all day Xtreme event. Matt, Mike, and John McConnell set out with XBA2k4 women?s division hopeful Kelly Birzes. The riders tackled the rail-to-trail bike shoot 7 miles into Manayunk were the ?aers caught the racers on the first lap as they turned off Main Street before the dreaded Lyceum Ave wall.
The trail from Conshohocken to Manayunk is a strait shot that follows the river to Philadelphia. Riders are shielded from traffic the whole time, yet at parts the trail turns to dirt and gravel. After two hard nights of rain, the trail was intense mud. Needless to say, the ride was Xtreme. Mike suffered a near aqua biff when his wheels slid out from under him on a slick wooden bridge, almost sending him into the river. Mike escaped with minor bleeding and found his way into the XBA?s prestigious wipe out hall of fame. (blood is of course a requirement for admission.) Kelly successfully emerged from her first ride unscathed yet covered in thick brown muck. Excited fans at the race rang cowbells upon witnessing the eXtremity of the team XBA.
After the opening lap, the XBAers journeyed through manayunk and down Kelly drive toward the boat house row/art museum part of the race. Matt gave us a scare when he narrowly avoided an OTR bank biff (over the guard rail down the bank and into the river wipeout). By the Art Museum the crew rendezvoused with fellow XBAers Devin and Dennis Finn. Eventually heading back towards Manayunk the XBAers rode parallel to the bike race and hung with the racers for some short lived TV time. The long day culminated with burgers in Manayunk and weaving through crazy crowds at ?the wall? for the last few laps. (At the end of the day the racers ride up the wall 10 times and ride 150 miles in about 5 hours. There are not even any Wawa stops.)
The XBAers cruised home on the trail in no time, motivated by Matt McConnell?s sabotaging speed bursts. Over the course of the day XBAers tackled about 30 miles of hilly terrain. Nothing like the XBA?s marquee annual event, yet a great day just the same. For more on the USPro click here.
2004, Fifth Annual
back to top photos of fifth annualSeven am past Riders John ?Velocity? Rooney, Matt McConnell, John XB McConnell, John R McConnell, and Devin Finn joined first timers Kev ?X? Ski, and Thomas C. Benedict in the McConnell velodrome. KevXSki, eXremely eXcited about the ride, jockeyed his mule to St Davids from his home 15 minutes away. He could be a candidate for the longest XBA ride ever and was the only 2004 rider on a mountain bike. Thomas C. Benedict, is a member of the post grad division from Georgetown and Atlanta Georgia. He set a record for the most flat tires with three, (on two different bikes.)
Training, Road Bikes, and Power bars, at one time foreign to the XBA, became apparent in the 5th annual. The fresh riders shot up Lancaster and rendezvoused with past riders Mike Day, Brendan Day, Fran Day, Tim Day, and Will Smith. Newcomer Pat Daley also joined the riders in Ardmore after a warm up ride from Broomall. Together the 13 riders made the trek to St Joseph?s Prep, the official rendezvous point.
Just before City Line Ave Thomas got the first flat of the day. Thomas and John reunited with the peleton plus first time XBAers Sean McKelvey, Caiti Murphy, Niddy, Mike Lui, and Emergency Vehicle driver Eric Greenspun in the Prep parking lot. Weather was hot, and humid with some minor sprinkles early on. (Later the heat intensified. Riders were briefly rewarded with a quick shower late in the third quarter.)
Traveling in the 5th annual largest XBA peleton ever, the 17 riders traversed North Philadelphia and crossed the Ben Franklin Bridge with great success. Long hills of the Blackhorse proved tough for the horses. Mike Day and John R McConnell had a minor collision and ate some curb resulting in minor bacon, Thomas went down with his second flat of the day, and Devin?s rear wheel experienced the first ever ?XBA exploded tire while standing still? at Wawa #3. Fortunately Rescue angel number one came in the form of Ed. Ed was walking out of Wawa #3 when he spotted the XBAers in their 1st annual XBA t shirts. He witnessed the explosion and offered directions to the local bike shop as well as transportation for the wounded horse in the back of his refrigerated fish truck.
Making a slight detour, the XBA pioneered new territory to pass the bike shop. Cheered on by John Sr. and Devin from the heights of Ed?s passing truck the peleton pulled into the bike shop where riders reloaded with spare tubes. Thomas, unbeknownst to the peleton, had experienced additional problems and limped to the bike shop via the backseat of a kind old lady?s ford Taurus. Post tune up the peleton entered the plains of 555, the flatter, straighter, longer, more grueling parts of the ride.
Two, three, and four peletons gradually emerged. Fran Day experienced a snake bite with the fourth flat of the day just as the peleton rolled into half way point, Buena NJ, the most beautiful Wawa these eyes have ever seen.
After luxurious refueling the riders continued to the encouraging cowbells of Eric Greenspun, as well as cheers from the Rooney and Day vehicles, and random by standers and well wishers. The peleton moved at record pace following Buena as rookie horses Pat Daley and Mike Lui and well-seasoned veterans Fran Day and Tim Day exhibited Lanceness. Fran wanted to flex. Wow he was fast.
On route 9 the riders rendezvoused with the 1st annual Junior Junior Division for the final 5-mile stretch through the marshland. Riders were Katy McConnell, Tara Connely, Kelly Devine, and Cia Williams. The race was on to Avalon where the riders reunited for a ceremonial ride down the final stretch to the post game BBQ hosted by Gwen ?Seabiscuit? McConnell. With only blocks to go Brendan Day experienced the 7th flat of the day but heroically jogged to the finish with bike over the shoulder.
Congratulations to first time riders Kevin Stefanski, Thomas Benedict, Pat Daley, Sean Mckelvey, Niddy, Caiti Murphy, and Mike Lui. Wear your jackets with pride; you have earned a lifetime invitation to the XBA. Also congratulations to the returning Champions. Thank you to supporters, post game BBQ hosts, emergency vehicle drivers, and well-wishers. Back to training for next year?
Some XBA 2004 Stats:
Departed Prep 9 am
Arrive in Avalon 5pm
Total Ride Time: 5 h 30 min
Avg Speeds 15.3/17.5 mph
1 Collision
7 busted tires
1 blowout
5 flats
1 broken.
1 Mountain Bike Rider: Kev X Ski
1st Bike Carry
17 Riders
17 Finishers
+4 Junior Junior Riders
21 Person Finish
5th Annual Post Game BBQ
1st Annual T Shirts
XBA Divisions:
1. Junior Division: anyone that?s not in the senior division
2. Champions Division (Formerly known as the Senior division):
3. Post Grad Division:
4. Junior Junior Division: (Ride from Rt 9 to the BBQ)
5. High School Division
6. College Division
7. Womens Division
8. Rookies Division
9. Out of Town Division
10. Past champions Division
11. Emergency Vehicle Division
12. Supporters Division
13. "I'm definitely going to do it next year" division (too many to list)
Past Participants and their qualifications for XBA 2005, the 6th Annual:
Benedict, Thomas: 1,3,8,9,10
Cellucci, Dan: 11,12
Connelly, Tara: 4,7,8
Daley, Pat: 1,5,8,10
Day, Brendan: 1,6,10
Day, Fran: 2,10
Day, Mike: 1,3,10
Day, Rose:12
Day, Roseann: 12
Day, Tim: 1,5,10
Devine, Kelli: 4,7,8
Finn, Dennis: 2
Finn, Devin: 1,3,7,10
Geraghty, Chris: 1,6
Geraghty, Paul: 2
Greenspun, Eric: 11,12
Lui, Mike: 1,3,8,10
McConnell Gwen: 12
McConnell, John B: 1,3,10
McConnell, John R: 2,10
McConnell, Katy: 4,7,8
McConnell, Matt: 1,6,10
McConnell, Mike: 1,6,10
McKelvey, Sean: 1,3,8,10
Murphy, Caiti: 1,3,7,8,10
Niddy: 1,3,7,8,10
Rooney, John: 2,10
Smith, Will: 1,5,10
Stefanski, Kevin: 1,3,8,10
The Rooney Family: 12
Williams, Kia: 4,7,8
2005, Sixth Annual
back to top photos of sixth annualThe 6th Annual Xtreme Bike Ride to the Shore, as annual tradition, was the best and largest XBA ever. Congratulations to all Xtreme riders, participants, and supporters. In addition to the glory you have experienced, you have earned a lifetime invitation to the XBA.
Saturday May 28, 2005. Rendezvoused in North Philadelphia 8 am. Field of 25. Bike tune-ups and player introductions. Weather 70 degrees and sunny. Navigated city streets to cheers of unsuspecting passersby, summitted Ben Franklin Bridge, awesome shots of city skyline, leaders flexed on hills of Blackhorse Pike, flat tires hit, lots of Wawa stops, Buena halfway stop, pace quickened, pack spread, "alternate routes" abound, pace car redirected riders to pack, lots of road rash, monsoon hit for the final half mile. Arrived in Avalon 4-5pm. Sun returned. Glorious postgame bbq.
Summary Stats: 90+ miles, average speeds: 15/17.5 mph, 3 OTB wipeouts, 12 flat tires, 2 major detours, 2nd annual XB t shirts, 15 rental "Lancers", 1 pace car driver, 6th Annual post game bbq, 50 postgamers, 1st annual xb charity.
6th Annual MVPs: These guys were eXtreme, and they made it happen:
Mike McConnell, Mike Lui, and Dave Zychinski scoured bike shops in Philadelphia to assemble a fleet of approximately 15 "lancers" that ultimately carried the XBA to victory.
Eric Greenspun: eXtreme pace car driver / paramedic / bike technician. Eric had more business this year than ever, shepherding the often detouring flock back toward the finish line, constantly picking up bike parts, and patching wounded soldiers along the way.
Gwen "Party Liaison" McConnell - Threw the 6th annual greatest postgame bbq ever. The food, the beverages, the champagne and the post game relaxation never stopped flowing.
Brendan "The Closer" Day - the 6th annual webmaster and horse behind the highly in demand XBA T shirts executed one of the most xtreme finishes of all time for the second year in a row. Flashing back for a moment, last year Brendan's bike bonked in the final mile and he proceeded to jog across the fish line, surrounded by the peleton, as his bike was simultaneously hoisted overhead and carried by the still biking Thomas "eggs" Benedict (XBA '04). This year, in order to push the envelope of eXtremety one step further, Brendan and Pat "skeetz" Farrell rode the last few miles in what turned out to be a drenching 20 minute monsoon. Very extreme.
Dr. Fran "da man" Day - the doctor must "dope" (XBA for "train") in the offseason. Sporting the yellow jersey, Fran seemed stronger than ever and flawlessly pulled the peleton while managing to fix approximately 15 flat tires for stranded XBAers along the way. On the return trip he managed to transport 6 bikes and 4 passengers in 1 eXtreme minivan.
John "Velocity" Rooney - after a hairy peleton crash along rail yards, Velocity was rudely introduced to the gravel of Route 555. Rooney honorably managed to fend off a free ride to the beach when his cheering family happened to pass by the peleton moments later. Racing against time as his hip quickly transformed into a watermelon, Rooney arrived to Avalon, ice, and postgame beverages in a record time.
XB rookies Kevin Francis Brehm, Dan Brupbacher, Stafford Bosak, Karl Zimmerman, Kevin Maloney, Andrew Winslow, Dave Zychinski, PJ Morrison, Mike Messina, Pat Farrell, Bill Yukstas, and Joe Cox tackled the hills of the Blackhorse and the flats of 555 with Lancelike vengeance. First time XBAers continue to fuel the rapidly growing xba.
Returning XB veterans John "Champions Division" McConnell, Mike "Bike Store Guy" McConnell, John "XB" McConnell, Brendan Day, Dr. Fran Day, Tim Day, Pat Daley, Mike Lui, John Rooney, Will Smith, Roseanne Day, continued to strut their stuff.
Countless wellwishers and past XBA Champions - fueled the fire by offering encouragement, blessings, and eXcitement.
Other 6th Annual Highlights:
Brendan Day, Mike McConnell, and at one point, half of the entire pack became aficionados of "alternate routes". Adding some mileage to the ride, and a little extra challenge, the groups eventually reunited with the pack thanks to expert pace car driving and alternate route navigation of Eric Greenspun.
Deep into the heart of no mans land, 1st timer PJ Morrison continued to grind, passed the waiting pack at "Alternate Route Wawa #3", missed a turn, and almost found himself rolling the dice in AC. Fortunately, as annual tradition, a kind old lady guided him pack towards the pack and he eventually reunited. (Next year the XBA is considering the introduction of 1st annual maps for all participants.)
After crossing the Ben Franklin Bridge Pat Farrell exclaimed "This is the best idea ever!" 40 or so miles later, shortly after the Buena Wawa stop, Pat was quoted again saying "That's it, I'm walking home." (Pat finished the ride, albeit in the eye of the monsoon. He shined at the postgame bbq.)
John R McConnell (of the Champions division formerly known as the Senior division) pushed the pace in the lead pack, testing the limits of his rented "Ferrari" of a bike.
Kevin Maloney, initially riding the "oldest/heaviest/worst bike ever to attempt the XBA" almost bonked on the hills of the Blackhorse, but gloriously recovered and dominated after mounting the extra stallion awaiting in the back of the pace car.
Will Smith, Tim Day, Dan Brupbacher, and Pat Daley, representing the sweet lax piney division, flexed the pace on the flatlands of 555.
Stafford Bosak proudly represented the Australian division and gracefully cruised to the promise of more Wawas and the postgame BBQ.
Joe Cox bounced back from a powerful crash in the streets of Philadelphia en route to the Prep.
Karl Zimmerman battled through a nasty OTB blood donation that resulted in some serious roadrash.
Mike Messina spontaneously and periodically bellowed eXtreme words of eXcitement.
Mike Day, XBA cofounder, offered his wisdom and guidance from the UK where he is currently recruiting for the global division while studying for a degree in XBA classics.
Just outside Las Vegas, core XBAer Matt McConnell, with 5 members of the Notre Dame division, got extreme on a mountain bike adventure through Redrock Canyon National Park in honor of XBA Saturday.
Thomas "Eggs" Benedict (XBA '04), also celebrating XBA from afar, attempted the most dangerous of all trips deep into the magical woodlands of Yosemite National Park.
Postgame bbq and T shirt distrubution ceremony were glorious as annual tradition.
Prior to start, Kev"X"Ski (XBA'04) passed on an ancient, extreme blessing (see below).
May the wind always be at your back,
May the wawas be plentiful,
May your tires be impenetrable,
May your high fives be glorious,
May your pelotons be pelotonious,
And may you strive to be like Lance,
In all the revolutions of your tires and
All the days of your life.
Amen.
2006, Seventh Annual
back to top photos of seventh annualThe 7th Annual Xtreme Bike Ride to the Shore, as annual tradition, was the most Xtreme XBA ever. Turnout was stronger than ever, proceeds were raised for a charity, maps and rescue vehicles provided heroic support, the increasing amount of Lance-caliber horses flexed the cadence of the peleton, and the post game barbecue was glorious.
Congratulations to all Xtreme riders, participants, and supporters. Thank you for your participation in the 7th Annual. In addition to the glory you have experienced, you have earned a lifetime invitation to the XBA.
A significant accomplishment this year was aligning the XBA with a charity and raising money for the cause. The 7th annual raised approximately $2,500 for the Saint Joseph’s Carpenter Society (www.sjcscamden.org). This is a solid beginning to the development of XBA as a charitable organization and I think we have enormous potential for raising increasing amounts in future years. Thank you for your generous contributions. (If you want to make a last minute contribution, please send your check/cash by June 15th in accordance with the attached instructions.)
Preparations for the 8th Annual XBA are already underway. One of this year's off-season goals will be to partner with corporate sponsors. Sponsorship will enable us to further benefit a cause as well as help fund event related expenses and our Xtreme website (www.teamxba.us).
7th Annual Rundown:
Saturday May 27, 2006. Rendezvoused on Waterworks drive behind the Philadelphia Art Museum at 9 am. Field of 36 bikers (vs 25 bikers last year). Chalk talk and player introductions. Despite threat of thunderstorms, weather 75 degrees and sunny. Ceremoniously coasted Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Race Street through center city. Summitted Ben Franklin Bridge, new route through tight streets of Camden, peleton spread on hills of Blackhorse Pike, occasional alternate routes, Buena halfway stop, flat tires hit, coordinated rescue vehicles prove clutch, pace flexed on long stretch post-Buena, occasional bacon and road rash, arrived in Avalon 4-5pm. Glorious postgame barbecue.
Summary Stats: 75 miles from Art Museum to Avalon. 90 miles from St Davids start point. + up to 10 miles for alternate route division. Average speeds: 17-22 mph, at least 2 OTB wipeouts, several flats, 3rd annual XBA t shirts, several new "Lancers", 3 pace cars, 5 certified XBA rescue professionals, 7th Annual post game barbecue, 60 postgamers, 1st Annual XBA charity.
Thank you to the 7th Annual MVPs. These guys were eXtreme, and they made it happen:
Eric Greenspun: eXtreme captain of all rescue vehicles / paramedic / bike technician. Eric had more business this year than ever, shepherding the often detouring flock back toward the finish line, constantly picking up bike parts, and patching wounded soldiers along the way. This year Eric and John (Senior/Champions Division Captain) took on the additional task of refining and improving the official XBA route.
Gwen "Party Liaison" McConnell, Carol Rooney, Rose Day - The Party Liaison and her ace team of post game hosts threw the 7th annual greatest postgame barbecue ever. The food, beverages and the post game relaxation never stopped flowing.
Rescue vehicle drivers Heather Howells, Veena Abraham, Jane Richardson, Beth Hardy - These first annual XBA participants teamed with Eric to provide the most efficient rescue operation in XBA history. As a result of their heroics, all bikers eventually found their way to the post game and the peleton was able to finish in record time.
John R. McConnell – the Champions Division Captain and founder of the first annual Cartography Division improved the official XBA route and provided well needed maps to all riders.
Other 7th Annual Highlights/eXtreme moments:
The "Despite road rash and/or struggling equipment, I refuse to get in the pace car for one minute" Division: Fran Day, Brendan Day, Joe Cox, Mike Farrell, Matt McConnell. These guys, all physically among the most elite in the peleton, were held back with multiple snake bites and equipment problems along the way. Often passed roadside, nursing a wounded horse, these guys would have rather jogged to Avalon than get in the pace car. Way to be eXtreme.
The alternate route/100 mile division: For the second year in a row, one of the breakout peletons missed a key turn. Rather than back track or request the assistance of a rescue vehicle, this peleton pressed on and pioneered a new route. At one point the group followed the wrong directions of a kind old lady resulting in a longer, more scenic route through the pine barrens. Despite the additional challenge, the whole group finished together, with no pace car assistance.
First time XBAer Steve Palmese, while cranking deep in the peleton by the tracks of route 555, suddenly went OTB, set up a yard sale and was introduced to the fresh New Jersey gravel. Miraculously he was unfazed by the event and remounted his horse moments later.
Stafford Bosak, NY Division Co-Captain and proud representative of the Australian division, Stafford became unavoidably involved in the Palmese peleton yard sale and emerged with a deformed bike that he deftly guided another 30 miles to the finish.
Colleen Lynch – proudly representing the women’s division, Colleen mercilessly flexed the pace in the lead peleton.
Brendan "Webmaster" Day - The webmaster is also master of the dramatic finish. 5th Annual: Bike bonks in the final mile and Brendan jogged across the fish line, surrounded by the peleton, as his bike was simultaneously hoisted overhead and carried by the still biking Thomas "eggs" Benedict. Last year, 6th Annual: Finished in the middle of a drenching 20 minute monsoon. This year: After multiple blowouts leaving him miles behind the lead pack, reunited with XBAers prior to a glorious finish.
Karl Zimmerman – Last year, after heroically battling through a serious case of road rash, Karl's final spare tube was destroyed in the final stretches of the ride, resulting in a reluctant but necessary pace car assisted finish. This year Karl recovered with a vengeance and made it to the post game in the first pack alongside XBA veteran Mike Messina.
Veterans division: Last year, three days after the 6th Annual XBA, Mike Lui left for Iraq to serve in the army. This year, Mike returned home 2 days before the 7th Annual and gloriously participated without missing a beat.
Dan Williams – NY Division minivan pilot, alternate route/pioneer division, roadrash division and proud founder of the clydesdale division for oversized horses, Dan gracefully slipped into many key roles in his first annual XBA.
Other XBA rookies Anselm Sauter, Conor Leddy, Steven Palmese, Charles Kozora, Tim Hargadon, Colleen Lynch, Peter Stolpman, Ben Finger, Dan Woody, Jason Love, Peter Zullo, Mike Farrell, Tim Farrell, Lenny Chai and Steven Boyle tackled the hills of the Blackhorse and the flats of route 555 with Lancelike vengeance. First time XBAers continue to fuel the rapidly growing XBA.
Returning XBA veterans Dr. Fran Day, John "Champions Division" McConnell, John “Velocity” Rooney, Mike McConnell, Mike Lui, John "XB" McConnell, Brendan Day, Tim Day, Matt McConnell, Karl Zimmerman, Will Smith, Kevin Maloney, Stafford Bosak, Dan Brupbacher, Eric Tarnowski, DeMark Schultz, Mike Messina, Joe Cox, Kevin Brehm, Bill Yukstas, continued to strut their stuff.
Wellwishers and past XBA Champions - fueled the fire by offering encouragement, blessings, and eXcitement.
2007, Eighth Annual
back to top photos of eighth annualThe 8th Annual Xtreme Bike Ride to the Shore, as annual tradition, was the most Xtreme XBA ever. Turnout was stronger than ever (56 bikers), proceeds were raised for a charity, rescue vehicles provided heroic support, the increasing amount of high-caliber horses flexed the cadence of the peleton, and the post game barbecue was glorious.
Congratulations to all Xtreme riders, participants, and supporters. Thank you for your participation in the 8th Annual and for your generous contributions. In addition to the glory you have experienced, you have earned a lifetime invitation to the XBA.
This year the XBA rode for the San Miguel School of Camden, http://fscbaltimore.org/sanmiguel/. We are eXcited to announce that due to the gererous contributions of XBAers and supporters, the XBA will be donating over $6,500 to the San Miguel School (compared to $2,500 raised last year). Brother William Johnson, the president of the San Miguel School was able to join us for the postgame barbecue this year and passed along his personal thanks and an update on the San Miguel School. The money raised from the XBA will help the school to provide some resources needed for their science program and will directly benefit the students in their education. (If you want to make a last minute contribution, please send your check/cash by June 15th with the attached registration form.)
Preparations for the 9th Annual (and 10th annual) XBA are already underway. One of this year's off-season goals will be to partner with corporate sponsors. Sponsorship will enable us to further benefit a cause as well as help fund event related expenses and our Xtreme website (www.teamxba.com).
Let me know if you have eXtreme ideas for the 9th Annual or want to get involved in a more eXtreme capacity. Also, keep me updated on your adventures in the off-season, and your general level of eXtremeness. 2007 XBA Roster, Photo links, the 8th Annual Rundown, MVPs, and Highlights are below.
8th Annual Rundown, Saturday May 26, 2007
Field of 56 bikers (vs 36 bikers last year), 4 pace cars (vs 3 last year), 5 certified XBA rescue professionals. 75 miles from Art Museum to Avalon. 90 miles from St Davids start point. Average speeds: 17-22 mph, arrivals into Avalon from 3:30-5:30pm. 4th annual XBA t shirts (75), 8th Annual post game barbecue, approximatly 75 postgamers, 2nd Annual XBA charity benefitted.
Rendezvoused on Waterworks drive behind the Philadelphia Art Museum for 8:30 chalk talk. Set off at 9 am. Weather was a hot 80 degrees and sunny. Ceremoniously coasted Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Race Street through center city. Summitted Ben Franklin Bridge, slight detour through tight streets of Camden, peleton spread on hills of Blackhorse Pike, huge new Super Wawa at Buena halfway stop, flat tires hit and coordinated rescue vehicles prove clutch, pace flexed on long 24-mile stretch post-Buena, occasional bacon and road rash, arrived in Avalon. Glorious postgame barbecue.
Thank you to the 8th Annual MVPs. These guys were eXtreme, and they made it happen:
Eric Greenspun: eXtreme captain of all rescue vehicles / paramedic / bike technician. Eric had more business this year than ever, shepherding the often detouring flock back toward the finish line, constantly picking up bike parts, and patching wounded soldiers along the way. As the number of riders has increased over the years, Eric's role has become more and more vital to the continuation of the XBA.
Gwen "Party Liaison" McConnell, Carol Rooney, Rose Day, Jane Greenspun - The Party Liaison and her ace team of post game hosts threw the 8th annual greatest postgame barbecue ever. The food, beverages and the post game relaxation never stopped flowing.
Rescue vehicle drivers Carl Winslow, Kirby Smith, Natalia Jimenev - These first annual XBA participants teamed with Eric to provide the most efficient rescue operation in XBA history. As a result of this team's heroics, all bikers eventually found their way to the post game and the peleton was able to finish in record time.
Katy McConnell - in her new role as Director of XBA Charitable Operations, Katy played a key role in selecting this year's charity, arranging an XBA vist to the San Miguel School, and raising of funds within the XBA ranks.
John R. McConnell – the Champions Division Captain and founder of the Cartography Division improved the official XBA route and created the maps used by all riders.
Dr. Fran Day, Natalia Jimenev, Gwen McConnell, Michael McConnell - these XBA legends also took on roles within the Photography Division, providing XBAers access to their Xtreme footage captured in the photo albums attached.
Brendan Day - the XBA's official webmaster has taken the XBA's official website www.teamxba.com to new levels. The sites featured Xtreme vocabularity has become legendary and is a pre requisit for discussion within any eXtreme peleton.
Brother William Johnson - the President of the San Miguel School joined the XBA for the postgame barbecue and told us all a bit about the San Miguel School
Other 8th Annual Highlights:
Long time XBA supporters and first time Xtreme bikers John Paul Mantey, Michael Bucci, Jerry Hurley, Jim Kain, Shaka Bahadu, Kevin Knight - Successfully transitioned from the "I'm definitely going to ride next year Division" into full fledged XBA veterans. Congratulations on your successful Xtreme adventures, may this be the first of your many Xtreme Bike Rides.
The 8th Annual Xtreme Bike to the Shore marked the glorious return of XBA co founder, Michael Day, after a couple years of training abroad. Mike returned in full force along with a strong legion of his collegues all represneting the Cornell Med School Division including Shaka Bahadu, Peter Morgenstern, Byron Alex, Max Kinet and Natalia Jimenev.
Colleen O'Donnell, Kimberly Kois, Ada Oshiro and Lori Havrilla – proudly represented the women’s division, often mercilessly pushing the pace in lead peletons.
Georgetown Senior and Junior Divisions - two generations prodly represented the Hoya Division, including from the class of 1974 - John R McConnell, Hop Cassidy, Michael Ryan, John Coleman, Kirby Smith, and from the class of 2004 - Stafford Bosak, Conor Leddy, Stephen Palmese, Charles Kozora, Dan Brupbacher, Joseph Rizk, James Michal, Patrick Weiss, John B McConnell, Mike Day
Other first time XBAers included Armand J. Della Porta, Carl Andaya, Chris Major, Harry Coleman, Owen Coleman, Michael Rooney and Tosh Tangiku. First time XBAers continue to fuel the rapidly growing XBA.
Returning XBA veterans Dr. Fran Day, John "Champions Division" McConnell, John “Velocity” Rooney, Mike McConnell, John "XB" McConnell, Brendan Day, Tim Day, Matt McConnell, Michael McConnell, Karl Zimmerman, Kevin Maloney, Stafford Bosak, Dan Brupbacher, Eric Tarnowski, DeMark Schultz, Mike Messina, Joe Cox, Kevin Brehm, Bill Yukstas, Andrew Winslow, Brian Galovic, John Nelson, Dan D Woody, Michael Farrell, Pat Farrell, Peter Zullo, Tim Farrell continued to strut their stuff.
Wellwishers and past XBA Champions - fueled the fire by offering encouragement, blessings, and eXcitement.
2008, Ninth Annual
back to topThe official numbers are finally in. The 9th Annual Xtreme Bike Ride to the Shore, as annual tradition, was the most eXtreme XBA ever. Turnout was stronger than ever, proceeds were raised for a charity, rescue vehicles provided heroic support, and the post game barbecue was glorious. 62 bikers flexed the cadence of the peloton and XBAers contributed $8,500 to the San Miguel School of Camden (compared to $6,500 last year).
Thank you all Xtreme riders, participants, and supporters for your participation in the 9th Annual and for your generous contributions.
For the second year in a row, the XBA rode for the San Miguel School of Camden, http://fscbaltimore.org/sanmiguel/. XBA contributions help the San Miguel School to fund the $13,000 per year that it costs to support each student as well as fund special projects and equipment such as computers and books.
Brother Joseph Juliano, president of the San Miguel School was an eXciting addition to the XBA this year. On race day Brother Joe plunged into the eXtremeness by filling several essential roles including race day photographer, rescue vehicle driver, mechanic, and all around motivator. Also fresh this year was the official XBA website. Reinvigorated by webmaster Michael McConnell, the new site allows XBA participants and supporters to Donate, Register and Contribute Photos online for the first time. Check out recently updated photos from the 9th Annual (or contribute your own) at www.teamxba.com.
We are eXcited about the monumental 10th Annual XBA that will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2009. Please let me know if you have ideas for the XBA, ways to celebrate our first decade, or ways you would like to get more involved. 2008 MVPs, Highlights, and the List of Contributors are below.
Thanks again and stay eXtreme.
John
Thank you to the 9th Annual MVPs:
Eric Greenspun - eXtreme captain of all rescue vehicles / paramedic / bike technician. As the number of riders has increased over the years, Eric's role has become increasingly more vital to the continuation of the XBA. Fortunately the size of his support team has also increased each year, enabling him to master the role of maestro.
Rescue vehicle drivers - Carl Winslow, Mike Day, and Brother Joe Juliano - These XBA stalwarts formed the most efficient rescue operation and support group in XBA history. As a result of this team's heroics, all bikers eventually found their way to the post game.
Gwen "Party Liaison" McConnell, Rose Day, Jane Greenspun, Priscilla Connolly - The Party Liaison and her ace team of post game hosts threw the 9th annual greatest postgame barbecue ever. The food, beverages and the post game relaxation never stopped flowing.
Michael McConnell - the XBA's webmaster has taken the XBA's official website www.teamxba.com to new levels.
John R. McConnell – the Champions Division Captain and founder of the Cartography Division developed the official route map and strategically placed XBA markers on route with the help of Nebraska Division Captain Michael Connery.
Brother Joseph Juliano, president of the San Miguel School was an eXciting addition to the XBA this year as pace car diver, photographer and motivator.
Katy McConnell, in her second year as Director of XBA Charitable Operations, coordinated t shirt design, procurement, distribution and overall fundraising operations.
Other eXtreme Performances
Cornell Medical School Division – the smartest Division in XBA history is also a force in the peloton; this year 9 riders deep and packed with veterans. When XBA veteran Natalia Jimenez went OTB for a blood donation the division rallied to her rescue and Mike Day had her patched up before the post game barbeque. Rounding out the team were Max Kinet, Peter Morgenstern, Eddie Cobb, Amy Downing, Doug Fullerton, Jonathan Gordin, Anastasia Grivoyanni and Kelly Heindel.
First time Xtreme bikers, but long time XBA supporters Jim Smith, Matt McNamee, Joe Foote, and Chris Patragnoni tackled their inaugural challenge with ease, drafting among seasoned veteran Mike Bucci.
Two generations of the Georgetown Division continued to shine. Rookies Will Swayne and Jenny Kolloff pushed the pace in the front peloton, testing the limits of veterans Hop Cassidy and Michael Ryan. Elsewhere, veterans Charles Kozora, Steve Palmese and Patrick Weiss guided rookies Kevin Koenig, Lindsay Reddington and Lauren Markowki to the joys of the Woodbine Custard Ranch.
The Penn State Division, a central core of veteran XBA thoroughbreds that traveled from Colorado, Florida, Washington DC and Philadelphia, included Brendan Day, Joe Cox, Mike Messina, Dan Woody, Kevin Brehm, Brian Galovic and Bill Yukstas.
Making the pilgrimage from California, Nebraska, Carbondale and other distant XBA training grounds were riders including John Coleman, Ada Oshiro, Virginia Barnes, Ellen Hamilton, Kathy O'Brien, Michael Connery, Harry Coleman, Owen Coleman, Carl Andaya.
Mike Farrell completed (for the third time) his own unique XBA route that starts at the Art Museum, goes to the Buena Wawa half way point but then returns to Camden County where he serves Xtreme funnel cakes at his parish picnic.
Other first time XBAers included Paul Connolly, Dan Connolly, Matt England, Thomas Gavin, Blake Stabert, Rachael Zukerman and Codi Vachon. First time XBAers continue to fuel the rapidly growing XBA.
Other returning XBA veterans, Fran "Legend" Day, Tim Day, Matt McConnell, Eric Tarnowski and Andrew Winslow continued to strut their stuff, traveling to the XBA from offseason residences in Philadelphia, Chicago and Boston.
2009, Tenth Annual
back to top photos of tenth annual1st Annual Post Game Barbecue Award Recipients:
Pace Car Drivers –
Eric Greenspun - eXtreme captain of all rescue vehicles / paramedic / bike technician. As the number of riders has increased over the years, Eric's role has become increasingly more vital to the continuation of the XBA. Fortunately the size of his support team has also increased each year, enabling him to master the role of maestro.
Jane Richardson, Beth Hardy, Kirby Smith, Lee William Casaccio and Ted Francavilla - These XBA stars formed the most efficient rescue operation and support group in XBA history. As a result of this team's heroics, all bikers eventually found their way to the post game.
Natalia Jimenez and John R. McConnell – both of these veteran XBAers were nursing offseason injuries and piloted Honorary eXtreme Rescue Vehicles, heroically providing first aide and support to countless bikers. We hope to get them back in the peloton next year!
Top Fundraisers –
For the first time, the XBA used Firstgiving.com which allowed bikers to set up fundraising pages allowing friends to sponsor their cycling efforts and benefit the San Miguel School. Congratulations to this years top Fundraisers: Sam Perkins, Anselm Sauter, Conor Senecal, and Kimberly Kois.
Top Contributors –
Special thanks to the XBA’s 2009 top contributors: John Cassidy, the Connor Family, Fran & Rose Day, Sarah & Jake Foley, Michael Ryan, John & Gwen McConnell and John & Carol Rooney.
Post Party Hosts –
Gwen “the Host” McConnell - The Hosts and her ace team including Rose Day, Carol Rooney, Eileen Casaccio and Jane Greenspun threw the 10th annual greatest postgame barbecue ever. The food, beverages and the post game relaxation never stopped flowing. Also, Kirby Smith, following his heroic efforts as Pace Car Driver, assumed the vital role of Grill Master - grilling 100 burgers and 50 hot dogs in record time.
Live Performers –
Thanks to NYC area folk rock band ‘Left Me Bashful’ for performing live at the post game barbecue. ‘Left Me Bashful’ is made up of Phil Vicario, Charlie Kunken, and 6-time XBAer Mike McConnell. Check out the XBA 2009 YouTube montage featuring new music from ‘Left Me Bashful’ at www.teamxba.org.
Recap Notes -
XBA Census - XBA 2009 participants hailed from training grounds in Pennsylvania, New Jersy, New York, Illinois, Nebraska, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusets, Colorado, California, Florida, Georgia, Washington DC, Washington and Connecticut. The International Division was represented by Graham Davies who made the journey from Manchester, England.
eXtreme Wipeouts - 2-time XBA-er Colleen O’Donnell biffed mid peloton and was narrowly avoided by Demark Schultze who performed a remarkable self-inflicted OTB maneuver by slamming on the brakes and diving forward as his front wheel approached Colleen who was trapped corndogging in his path. Fortunalty all were ok despite some nasty road rash and a round of gravity checks. (See http://teamxba.org/xtreme_vocabulary.php for vocabulary primer).
Most Represented XBA Divisions –
XBA Rookie Division – First Time XBAers continue to bring fresh eXtremeness to the peloton. Congratulations and thanks to this year’s XBA rookies including: Tom Leonard, Ted Francavilla, Team Speedy (Gail Connor, Kevin Connor, Jackson Connor), Ryan Schafer, Hadley Cotter, Brian McGowan, Kirstin Patragnoni-Sauter, Sam Perkins, Mark Smith, Sarah Young, Sandra Quirk, Joe McCabe, Michael Loughlin, Leigh Hartman, Tara Domin, Graham Davies, Lee Casaccio, Kate Devine, David Newman, Cynthia Santos, Doug Wheeler.
Cornell Med School Division – the fastest growing XBA division in terms of both peloton horsepower and IQ. In addition to cycling, members of this division have patched up countless bikers.
Team San Miguel School – this year’s ride featured a stop at the San Miguel School where students offered water and encouragement. The XBA was joined in the peloton by Team San Miguel bikers Joseph Juliano, James Hoban, and Conor Sencal.
Penn State Division - a central core of veteran XBA thoroughbreds that traveled from California, Colorado, Florida, Washington DC and Philadelphia, included Brendan Day, Joe Cox, Dan Woody, Patrick 'Skeetz' Farrell, Kevin Brehm, Mike Messina, Lori Havrila, and Bill Yukstas.
Georgetown Division – represented by two generations of stalwarts, speedsters , rookies, and Woodbine Custard Ranch aficianados.
Notre Dame Division – comprised of multiple generations of Domers, traveling from training grounds in the midwest to the eastern seaboard.
Team Speedy – represented by the Connor family and friends in a debut XBA performance that included the eXteme addition of the XBA’s youngest biker, Jackson Conor who checked in at 16 years.
Funnel Cake Division - Mike Farrell and Tim Farrell completed (for the fourth time) their own unique XBA route that starts at the Art Museum, goes to the Buena Wawa half way point but then returns to Camden County where the team then serves Xtreme funnel cakes at their local parish picnic (post ride carbo loading?).
St Joseph’s Prep Division – captained by XBA legends Anselm Sauter, Michael Bucci, Kevin Maloney and Mr. James O’Brien.
XBA 2009 Bikers and Contributors:
Deidre Adkins
Derek Basini
Ann Beightol
Annie & Rory Berger
Dee Boyd
Andreas Boye
Manuel Bramao
Kevin Brehm
James Brooke
Daniel Brupbacher
Michael Bucci
Elena Bukanova
Lee Casaccio
Lee William Casaccio
John Cassidy
Andrew Chen
Edward Cobb
Lindsey Cochran
Paul Connolly
Gail Connor
Jackson Connor
Kevin Connor
Hadley Cotter
Joseph Cox
Clinton Daly
Graham Davies
Brendan Day
Fran Day
Michael Day
Rose Day
Beth DeLegge
Armand Della Porta
Sam Desai
Kathleen Devine
Tara Domin
Amy Downing
Chrissy Downing
Deane Dray
Theresa Dupart
Carmen Ezzo
J. Michael Farrell
Patrick Farrell
Timothy Farrell
Brian Finnegan
Sarah & Jake Foley
Joseph Foote
Ted Francavilla
Dana Fredericksen
Douglas Fullerton
Charlie Gallagher
Gerry Gallagher
Jim & Sherry Gallagher
Tom Gavin
Philip Gerhardt
John Gilroy
Fred Gordin
Jonathan Gordin
Richard Gordin
Crystal Grant
Eric Greenspun
Anastasia Grivoyannis
Steven Grzywinski
Patrick Guerin
Beth Hardy
Mark Harris
Devon Hartford
Leigh Hartman
Lori Havrilla
Jeffrey Hayden
James Hoban
Kathleen Hoban
Josh Hoen
Natalia Jimenez
Joseph Juliano
George Kelly
James Kennedy
Maxime Kinet
Kevin Koenig
Joanne & Dean Kois
Kimberly Kois
Chuck Kozora
Judy Kozora
Judy Kukowski
Charles Kunken
Margie Leachman
Conor Leddy
Thomas Leonard
Michael Loughlin
Kevin Maloney
Lauren Markowski
Joe McCabe
Gwen McConnell
John B. McConnell
John R. McConnell
Katy McConnell
Michael McConnell
Matthew McConnell
Brian McGowan
Michael Messina
James Michal
Richard Minchik
Rachel Moquete
Peter Morgenstern
PJ Morrison
Katie Moyer
Ryan Nero
David Newman
Marden Nichols
James O'Brien
Kathy O'Brien
Colleen O'Donnell
Craig Pacheco
Stephen Palmese
Christian Patragnoni
Kirstin Patragnoni-Sauter
Lori Perkins
Marlin S Perkins
Sam Perkins
Andrew Plieninger
Sandra Quirk
Lindsay Reddington
Nancy Reddington
Holly & Mike Rennie
Margaux Reynolds
Brad Richardson
Jane Richardson
Lucia Robinson
Marie Rogai
Carol Rooney
John Rooney
Anthony Rosen
Rose Russo
Michael Ryan
Cynthia Santos
Alfred Sauter
Anselm Sauter
Christian Sauter
Leigh Sauter
Ryan Schafer
Danielle Scheetz
Marie Scheetz
Maria-Luisa Schmidt
Hannes Schroeder
Demark Schulze
Conor Senecal
Mary Senecal
Susan Senecal
Carol Smith
Kirby Smith
Mark Smith
Matthew Smith
Elizabeth Stabler
Eric Tarnowski
Vicki Taylor
Lisa Tribble
William VanDusen
Jan VanFredenberg
Phil Vicario
Linda Villee-West
Grace Wadell
Karen Weiss
Patrick Weiss
Caroline Wellford
Carrie Wheeler
Douglas Wheeler
Laurie Wolynec
Mark Woods
Daniel Woody
Andrea Young
Sarah Young
William Yukstas
Nancy Zeidman
Helis Zulijani