Back to Byers

Riders are headed westbound toward the finish, but first a stop in Byers where Eric Simmons and Bobbe Foliart will welcome them.

Bobbe Foliart with camera at the ready at the Last Chance start line

Bobbe brought her bright eyes and broad smile from California, escorting her husband and LC rider Thomas Russell. She also brings top shelf control management experience from Tobin Resort at this year's Gold Rush Randonnee -- the oasis in the Feather River Canyon.

Eric is reprising his Byers role from last year's Last Chance. He was out on the road for yesterday's start, but then headed back home to Colorado Springs where he and his wife brought professional chef capabilities to bear. On the menu in Byers:

• "Olathe Sweet" Corn and Potato Chowder
• Cold Pasta Salad
• Sandwich Smorgasbord

Last year the Byers control was a sanctuary of warmth from the cold rains that fell on the second half of the ride. Drop bags were quickly raided for dry clothes, and every stitch of it, before putting the feed bag on. Leslie Sutton was there last year with Eric taking orders for panini sandwiches grilled to order, soup, brownies, pie and cookies. It was so wonderful that it drew Jim Solanik back for a second helping when he needed to retreat from the storm and bring himself back from mild hypothermia.

A note on our starters that are not finishing this year: Thanks for the notes of concern, but rest assured that they are fine. Ken Bonner and Leslie Sutton were not able to continue yesterday due to the common randonneur maladies of stomach ailments and the like. They each had a personal support crew so they are now in caring hands.

If I thought there would be any leftover soup, I would make Eric promise to save some for me.