kl_grah..@comcast.net

Afterthoughts and Thank y’alls!

You can imagine things in your head sometimes, but until you see it actually come to life and happen in front of you at 35 mph plus at 200 meters – do you then realize what’s really causing all of this!

The 2015 Cherry Pie Road Race is completed for the year!

I will apologize in advance for weather, but I seems I didn’t check off the box in the permits form concerning the type of weather needed for the event Polk and Benton Co about that! J

The City of Independence graciously invited us into the community to put of the race this year, and I will tell you from a conversation I just had, we’ve been invited back next year! They were EXTRMELY happy with how the OBRA community conducted ourselves and the amount of customers that helped businesses that were open this past Sunday. Here’s a prime example: The 3 Legged Dog in Independence got so much business – they RAN OUT OF FOOD and had to close early!!! Not making that up. I’ve committed Willamette Valley Cycling to host the 2016 Cherry Pie Road at the request of The City of Independence!

With any event, nothing happens without the support of an army of amazing people! Just so happens that I know some amazing people. Thank y’alls go out this way:

The City of Independence (Shawn Irvine) – Thank you for inviting us to your community. We’re looking forward to coming back and bringing more cycling friends!

To All My Willamette Valley Cycling Team Members (Former and Present) - THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPPORTING OUR TEAM WITH ALL YOUR EFFORTS. WE’RE SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE OF THE TEAM WORK THAT SUPPORTS EVERYTHING WE DO. I cannot tell you how proud I am of each and everyone of you that gave of up a lot of time on Sunday!

To EVERYONE that volunteered - The Cherry Pie would have failed without you! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Scott McCanna – To the Wizard of TCP: Flashing signs, traffic cones and barriers EVERYWHERE!!! I thought I was at the Emerald City in the land of OZ. This doesn’t happen without your oversight and planning. The OBRA community owes you’re the biggest thank you for all you time and tireless efforts!

Joe Rothery - Mr. All Go and Never Quit: I’ve know you for as long as I’ve been cycling and I don’t know another person that would do and give so much for the greater good! Early in the morning – you are the first person to show up and one of last to leave! You are my SUPER HERO dude! Thanks you and Darlene for the support of WVCT and the OBRA community!

Brenda Middleton – Mrs. Whatever It Takes: You’re the reason I’m so into cycling! This is all your vault! J Your love for cycling and willingness to do ANYTHING to make the plan come together is yet another reason why we’ve always been successful! Thank you for always being by my side – cause GOD only knows you and me have been in the craziest situations together!

John Osborne – The Registration and my Burgerville Partner In Crime: Registration runs so well thanks to you. Thank you for keeping EVERYTHING straight and getting the officials the information needed to make our event so successful! Shannon thinks you’re the BOMB!!

Carolyn Sullivan – The Queen of the Cherry Pie – THANK YOU for all your hard work, creating those amazing pies for the event. The Cherry Pie can’t be the Cherry Pie without them. Thank you also for all your timeless efforts with the volunteers. I especially enjoyed being out on course you and Ben in the afternoon!

Jeff Hamlin : Thank you for help and I hope your hand it getting better!

Linda Watts - WINDA, listen WINDA! Thank you and Clifford for having my back always!

Deann Garcia : Thanks for holding us down Sunday!

Michelle and Raj – My life is that much great that I know you know both! Thank you both for helping everywhere on Sunday!

Pete Eschbagh – Thanks for coming back to help!!! We needed you!

Mike McCabe – Thank you for taking care of my son Anthony while out on course. He spoke very highly of you! It’s a true pleasure to have you around. Thanks again!

Marianne Lee (Rachel’s Mom )– I don’t think I’ve done an event without you! You’re the best volunteer on my planet!!!!

Jennifer Haliwicz - Thanks for being my partner in crime at Section D.

John Henry Maurice - GET WELL SOON MY FRIEND!! MISSED NOT SEEING YOU OUT HERE!!

To all OBRA Officials : Thank you supporting all of our races! They don’t happen without you!

Kenji: Thanks for always taking care of us when it comes to all things cycling! Sorry I missed you Sunday!

Terri Camp : You are always a pleasure to be around and I always look forward seeing you. Thank you for teaching new things so that I can become a better promoter. YOU ROCK!!!!

Jordan Staples : Thank you for always listening to me and giving the advice I need to make better decisions on things!

All the Participants, Families and Friends : Thank you for coming out and racing with us on Sunday! Hopefully you enjoyed the new course and venue. We are always looking for any feedback to make future events better.

Last but not least – my wife Shannon Graham : I get a nickname every year. This year was the Cherry Pie Monster. Thank you for EVERYTHING you put up with when it comes to promoting races with me. You always know when to cut me loose and reel me back in. THANK YOU FOR ALL THINGS TRUE, you are the LOVE OF THE LIFE!!

That’s everything! See you next year in Independence for the 2016 Cherry Pie Road Race!!!!!!!

Thanks Everyone!!!

Kenny Graham

President

Willamette Valley Cycling Team

541-905-9698

kl_graham@comcast.net