Volunteering at the Tucson Bicycle Classic

I finally succumbed to the many emails sent out by reps of the TBC, soliciting volunteers.   It's good to give back to the cycling community and since this was the first time in 2 years the event was to be conducted, I wanted to do my part.  So, up at 4:30am, drive an hour to Sahuarita, arriving at 6am.  Cold and dark as I learn my duties.  

I kind of got a plum assignment, standing at the first barricade and checking credentials of all drivers attempting to go beyond me, as all 500+ cyclists walked/rode back and forth to to the start line.  Unfortunately, someone wasn't thinking when they placed the Porta-Johns directly across from me.

Team cars were allowed through as the event hosted not just amateurs but many pros.

I heard every excuse in the book for why dozens of vehicles ought to get through who were not qualified so I turned them around.  I want to assure you that I did not allow this awesome authority to turn me into one of "those people".  I remained cheery.

Between the vehicles, cyclists, spectators, things got a little chaotic at times but by 11:00am, my job was done so I turned in my orange vest, clip board and headed to....

....a birthday party for our hiking friend, Lorna.  Amy did a great job of preparing and we all had a good time.