The WINNER of the 1st inaugural Coup de Cascades…is Mick Walsh, from Seattle, Wa. Mick and his SAG crew of 2, Jamie & Garth, were very impressive to say the least. The whole experience this past weekend was sureal as a small group of us kept pace with Mick and his crew. The Checkpoint captains were in place and happy to see Mick, every time he came into sight. The small group of 6, in 4 cars, who followed him on his personal journey were there at checkpoints cheering him on to victory. With the official banner of sponsors being displayed at most of the checkpoints, it made a great backdrop to the heart & focus of the event…Ending POLIO now.
Mr. Walsh has been cycling for many years and last year rode in the Race Across the West….Calif to Colorado on a team. When he heard we were doing this Coup de Cascades UMC style race, he said, “I’m in”, and quickly signed up as a solo racer for the 425 miles. Shannon Henery, the other racer signed up, was planning on doing it solo this year, untill she learned she was pregnant and could only do it as a team. Team #1 officially DNF, but Shannon had a great time racing in the first leg and later on in the day got back on the bike and followed Mick over the Washington Pass downslope & hairpin turn. Shannon was ultimately the brain child of the Coup de Cascades and talked to her friend and neighbor, Kelly Kyle who enlisted the Redmond Rousers Rotary club into being the official race organizers. Kelly was the “Official Race Chairman” and was one of the many followers of Shannon, Mick and thier teams.
Riding around the race route and watching Mick compete for his personal “best” for us and this race was impressive!! With so much being on the line, with becoming a future qualifier for RAAM, we just wanted it all to go well. And it Did…it was AWSEOME. Many of us cried happy tears for Mick, as he came across the finishline of 419 actual miles, at 30hours and 20 minutes (30:20) after he started. Quite impressive!!!! to say the least. Way to go Mick…you are AMAZING! and you so deserve all the kuddos and awards!!! The only thing better was that this race and ride was to support the efforts of many, to END POLIO NOW.
