I know every year we say things like “best event ever” or something along those lines. But truly, this year’s Tour de Peaks “Gourmet Bike Ride” was extremely successful thanks to a great committee and lots of wonderful food donated, or otherwise provided, by local restaurants and grocery stores.

The riders, who came from all over Puget Sound to participate, said, and I quote from the surveys they filled out, “don’t change a thing, it was perfect. Such beautiful scenery,” and “the food was awesome – thank the sponsors for us.” We had over 320 riders on Aug. 7, and all had a great experience.

Our sponsors, both monetary and in-kind, are named in our thank-you ad that will appear in next week’s paper. However, I’d like to be sure to publicly thank the committee for its hard work since early spring. They are: John Tedeschi, Tom Sinclair, Steve Rackets, Kim Hubner, Susan Gillespie, Lisa Cole and Lisa Schaffer.

Our hardworking volunteers are: Ann Fleming, Susan Hankins, Gloria McNeely, Fritz Ribary, Patricia Bennett, Judy Boyce, Juli Ward, Lisa Schilling, Tracey Skylstad, Cathi Linden, Minna Rudd, Curt Denning, George Wyrsch, Sharon Wyrsch, Kym Sweepe, Tom Eckhout, Tina Maloney, Mike Maloney, Jennifer Lynham, Sean Cunningham and the SECAST crew, who acted as our route drivers.

Thanks to Diane and Loren Morris and the entire Singletrack Cycle staff for sponsoring the mountain bike route, which had 38 riders tackling the trails.

Our gratitude also goes to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket for the Trek bicycle, and all the businesses that displayed the bike and sold tickets. The lucky winner was Gary Schwartz of the Unity Theater. He plans to sell the bike and donate the proceeds to the theater.

Last, but not least, I’d like to thank Al Frank of the Snoqualmie Parks Department who allowed us to utilize the old fire station for our supplies. We would have had a very hard time keeping all our food cold within a reasonable distance to downtown Snoqualmie. Thanks also to Ed Cook and Ed Crosson for their timely help.

Thank you all and we hope to see you again next year.

Sue Beauvais, co-chair

Tour de Peaks

North Bend