Some of you may remember that I had an article published on the New York Times “At War” blog last year about a bike/run race I organized Iraq. It was on Thanksgiving morning, just like the annual Turkey Day Race here in Lancaster. This year I definitely wanted to go, even though the only chance I had of winning was freezing rain or snow. I left my house early figuring I would be dropped on the first lap and ride home. The race distance is six laps of the 3.3-mile triangular circle where there is a Wednesday night training race from April till October.
As I left the driveway, the roads were dry. By the time I passed Park City Mall ten minutes later, it was raining and 35 degrees. Another mile later, sleet was pinging off my helmet. I arrived 45 minutes early and no one was there. I sat under the eaves of the radio station at the start finish (WARM 103 FM) then decided I would be warmer if I rode a couple of laps. The race starts at 9. I waited till 9:05 then decided it was time for the race to start. Since I was the whole field, I then declared it a one-lap race. Ten minutes later, I met a guy named Sheldon who rode out to see who showed up in the sleet to race. He was surprised that it was just me. But he did agree to be my witness of the win. He is officially second place.
Two days ago I wrote to Keith Wilson, the keeper of the Turkey Day records, on Facebook. He said I am the winner and I get the prize--a can of Yams!!!!
