Hello to you all,
This weekend was the Tour of Kansas City, the race that really got things started for MTFGKC last year when my son Christian placed first in the jr. class race and became the first African-American to ever reach the podium in the 43 year history of the Tour. The first day of the Tour is held up at our favorite spot, Cliff Drive.
It was uncertain earlier in the year that the race would take place, but some great folks in the cycling community came together in a wonderful display of unity, and put on a fantastic, well organized and fun to be at race. I am not sure of all the folks who kicked in, and don’t want to leave anyone out who helped, but I know that the folks from KLM were very visible, cared about everyone and everything going on, and added a lot of personality (the "hospitality tent" set up over by the gooseneck hill was a very cool place to hang out) to the whole thing. Great job, Bill Marshall and his crew of folks and all of the sponsors! We appreciate you!
The jr. race had a good field and it was a tough race…my son Thomas actually crashed in the race, just like last year, and was able to recover to come back and get 6th place. He got road rash (torn up skin from the concrete) pretty bad, but otherwise he is okay. But for now, he is done racing until he heals.
Christian was able to stay at the front of the race, working with a guy from our former team, John Shipman of Velotek, who finished second. He finished third in the race, and for the second time in a row, was able to make it to the podium. We had plenty of family and friends(and fans of Christian!!!!!!!) to witness history again, and it was something to remember for a long time. I doubt if very many folks expected Christian to be able to repeat his preformance from last year, but I think he showed what he is made of, all over again. Oh, the Tour of Kansas City is a two day race, the second day taking place in Overland Park. I did not get to go to this race, but Christian did, and was able to take second place in that race, finishing behind his rival, John Shipman.
I have to thank MTFGKC board members for coming out to the race to support the boys: Patrick Robinson, Mark Thomas (and his wife Teresa), John Leahey and Leib Dodell, who actually showed up on his bike, registered and did the Category 5 race.
Kenneth