Tom Danielson :: FLC Cycling Scholarship Fundraiser

Fort Lewis College Cycling Scholarship

Danielson leads benefit color tour
By Marc Witkes | Durango Herald
September 30, 2006— Durango, Colorado
Durango Fall Blaze web site

There couldn't have been a better name for the three bike tours (37, 54 and 100 miles) that were held Sunday morning as a fundraiser for Fort Lewis College Cycling scholarships. It was also a homecoming for FLC alumnus and pro cyclist Tom Danielson.

With a chilly start at the FLC clocktower at 8 a.m., not even a welcome from Danielson and a cannon blast were enough to get people moving quickly toward a cold descent on North College Drive.

"Hey, let's go," said someone, and more than 250 riders were off for a stunning ride filled with red, green, gold and orange fall colors. Riders proceeded to Florida Road and 32nd Street before turning north on Main Avenue and heading to East Animas Road. Through the Animas Valley, riders kept pace lines and chatted in small groups. Still chilly, the knew it would warm up soon.

By the time cyclists started up the Shalonah climb on Highway 550, many had taken off their jackets, arm and leg warmers. Mary Oswald, 47, from Durango, was riding the 54-mile tour with several other women. "It's kind of a get-together for us, and there's nothing else I'd rather be doing (Saturday)," Oswald said.

Katie Sparks, 53, rode with Oswald. "It's a perfect fall day, and I'm happy to support the FLC cycling team," Sparks said. "They are a great group of students, and they deserve our support." Sparks works at the college and helps first-generation students.

While grinding up Shalonah, Mark Shapiro, 58, rode alongside Tom Danielson, for a minute. Shapiro was envious of Danielson's perfect pedal stroke. "He's just cruising, and I'm working hard," Shapiro quipped.

The first aid station was on top of the Shalonah climb. Music, food and playing cards made for a festive atmosphere and several riders stopped to chat with Danielson. Riders were supposed to pick up a playing card at each station and collect them for a poker run at the ride completion. Many were too focused on their labored breathing to bother picking up the cards.

After descending old Shalonah, several cyclists wondered why the once, ice-surface, was now chip-sealed? Loose gravel stayed with riders all the way to the Missionary Road turnoff on East Animas Road. The 37-mile riders finished their day after making their way back up North College.

Walt Dear, 74, had big plans after his 37 miles. "I'm getting married today," Dear said. "The wedding is at 2:30."

The 54- and 100-mile riders ascended Florida Road while heading for the Vallecito Dam. Rich Donley rode his blue Yeti classic in a pack with a dozen other riders. "It's great to support FLC," Donley said. "I'm also going to ride in the last of the Wheel Club race series up Coal Bank Pass (today)."

The 60-mile riders turned back around at the Helen's Store aid station while the century riders continued to the Vallecito T and the dam. After more Powerade, cookies and bagels for riders at the dam, century riders turned around and biked toward Bayfield on County Road 501.

Halfway to Bayfield, there was a little surprise for everyone: Hundreds of sheep in the road slowed riders to a crawl. After getting around the sheep,riders had an easy time to Bayfield, skirted Ignacio and followed Highway 172 toward the homestretch.

Robin Fitzpatrick, a Durango Wheel Club member and volunteer, greeted cyclists at the Florida Mesa Elementary School. The best treats were apples and peanut butter.

Straight through Elmore's Corner on 234 and riders were looking forward to descending the Wall. Another surprise: Construction, graders and trucks delayed some riders and after the wait, there was a half-mile of sand and dirt. Left on Florida Road and a sweet downhill all the way to North College.

Music, food and beer greeted weary riders at FLC.

And Danielson autographed posters. "I'm so happy to be back in Durango, and it's amazing to see everybody come together and support Fort Lewis College cycling," he said. "The Durango Fall Blaze is a huge success because of all the participants, and FLC is on the map in education and cycling," said Danielson, who admitted he was tired. "I just finished the Vuelta, we (wife Kristen) just moved into our new house in Spain, and the Interbike Show was (Friday) in Las Vegas," Danielson said.

Celebrating Cycling Success in Durango
December 16, 2005 — Durango, Colorado

Tom and several friends held a benefit honoring Durango's cycling community and its many champions. The fundraiser included appearances by some of the country's best known cyclist and raised thousands of dollars for the Fort Lewis Cycling Team, Durango Wheel Club Junior Development Team, and Cycling Advocacy.

The standing-room-only crowd at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College were treated Bob Roll recapping Durango's cycling roots, past and present champions, and a look into what Durango's future might hold.

Bob paid tribute to the Durango Wheel Club which has existed since 1895, Tom's recent success racing at the highest levels, and everything in between— from second-grader Christopher Blevins, now a two-time national BMX age-group champion, to 50 year old mountain bike legend Ned Overand.

Also featured were Durango's national road racing champion Chris Wherry, national mountain bike champion Shonny Vanlandingham, as well as fellow national bike champions Travis Brown, Ben Kraushaar, Noah Singer, Dustin Wanstrath, Troy Wells and Todd Wells. Todd Wells, who was a member of the U.S. mountain biking team in Athens, provided a video message for the audience which featured Todd speaking about his incredible Olympic experience.

The Durango Herald

During the presentation, Bob asked Tom, Chris Wherry, Ned Overand, and Michael and Dede Barry and new son Liam to join him on stage. He asked the athletes several questions and the audience had a few inquires as well. Tom then took to the microphone and asked Bob, "What about Bob?. Tell us about your stage win at the Tour of Romandie." Bob went on to tell of how that day's stage included a town called "Roll", and he had asked the peloton if he could ride ahead and take some pictures with the locals in the town. They complied and Bob built a nice lead. While ahead, a train crossed the path of the race and the peloton was delayed. This gave Bob his only chance at glory and he took full advantage. Riding like he had stolen his bike, Bob charged to the finish while the peloton was slowly gaining back time. Near the finish the group had almost caught Bob and he ended up winning by a tire length with his superior sprinting abilities. He admitted there was little truth to this tale, but he did win the stage somehow — it's in the record books.

After the presentation, a live auction took place featuring many unique items including a Trek road bike, framed posters, signed jerseys by the entire Discovery team as well as jerseys signed by Lance Armstrong. A 2005 Dodge Tour de Georgia jersey signed by Lance and Tom was auctioned for $1400.00!

The auction was followed by an autograph session featuring Tom, Michael Barry, and Chris Wherry. Shortly thereafter, dinner was served to 50 people on the stage of the concert hall.

Hats off to Tom, Kristin, and Kendra for putting on this world-class event in such a short time. Only two months earlier, Tom had this idea to raise money for these organizations and he was able to pull it off with hard work, dedication, and help from many friends and people willing to contribute.