Ross's Epic Hill Climb 2007

The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition co-sponsored today's event.

The weather was perfect, the turn-out amazing with well over 200 cyclists competing in what we all hope is the first annual Ross's Epic Hill Climb. I've got the photos my husband took (after racing to the top of Pine Flat, so he definitely deserves congratulations for still being functional after that ride!) but I'd love to have more from any of you who might want to share photos from the ride or the festivities that followed. Please email digital prints to kate@katedouglas.com and I'll get them posted!
           
 Thanks again to everyone who helped make this event such an amazing success, especially Carlos Perez <thebikemonkey..net> and the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition.
It was five years ago today (June 3, 2002) that Ross was injured. It has definitely been an epic climb.                     
After the race, cyclists and friends ate a wonderful meal dontated by Giampolo of the Riviera.
Music was provided by the group, Juan Boulder whose leader, Preston Booker, is a cyclist.They were absolutely fantastic!
When the band started playing, Ross asked to stand up. The chair helps support him, but when mom Betsy started dancing in front of him, Ross joined in. It was obvious he thoroughly enjoyed the music.
Ross's sister Ariel and Ross enjoying a rare quiet moment. It was such a wonderful, busy, activity-filled day--definitely what I think of as a real "feel good" event.
Gail Burchfiel serving cookies. It's still not easy for him, but Ross was able to pick one up by himself.
Ross with Harold, one of his caretakers, one of the many amazing people who work with Ross.
Simone made quite an impression on Ross. He really enjoyed watching all the little ones running around all afternoon!
Harold, Ross and Ross's mom, Betsy.
Carlos Perez, who organized the event, reading the race results.
Ross admiring the medal that was presented to him. One of the racers also gave his medal to Ross...later, when Betsy reminded him that one medal was Ross's and one was a gift, Ross said, "It's for everyone."
Harold, Ross, Betsy, and Ross's dad, Rusty.
Brian Peterson, of the Alto Velo cycling club, read a beautiful  tribute to his friend and fellow cyclist John Peckham, who was a member of the Webcor/Alto Velo Elite cycling team. John was killed by a DUI driver in 2006. His mother, Mary Ann Parker, made a very generous contribution to Ross in her son's name.
John's story was especially difficult to hear--everyone in the cycling community has known someone like John--or Ross--whose lives either ended or were changed forever because of a driver's carlessness. Brian's tribute was both heartfelt and at the same time, very sobering.
Brian presenting the check to Ross's parents.
Chris Phipps from Zteam set the record up Ross' Hill climb in one hour, two minutes. He's a CAT 2 racer and generally beats most top Pros when it comes to hill climb races, according to his teammate.
Ross, Z-team winner Chris Phipps, and Ross's dad, Rusty.
I also need the name/category of this winner.
Rusty thanking Carols and the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition for putting on such a fantastic event.