JUNE 2TOAD FESTIVAL WRAPUP
JUNE 2TOAD FESTIVAL WRAPUP
The Toad Festival, an annual tough ride through the Trabuco Region in the Cleveleand National Forest, is known as the Toad Festival. Riders on the route compete in games of skill and chance like blackjack, horseshoes and helmet toss. The top three combined scores will be awarded great prizes.
By Warrior Chris Vargas
After the Toad Festival was held in fall every year since its inception, and dealing with heat and threats from fire, we decided to move it to May. We didn’t expect to avoid a fire closing, but it was still hot. It was 92 degrees.
Over 120 people showed up to have a great time despite the heat. This event was easy compared to the Pow Wow. I slept for 5 hours the night before, and had the opportunity to speak with many of the participants.
The Toad Festival is advertised as a fun event that includes games but it requires a high level fitness to complete the course. It takes 27 miles and 1,524.0m elevation gain, and the heat didn’t help. After the hard climb up Trabuco Peak, we made sure to have plenty of water. As a bonus, we also had plenty of icecream waiting for participants at the Third Game Station on the Main Divide Road.
Participants were able to smile despite the heat and were willing to take on the challenge, despite the heat. Paul Miller, a member of Warriors Society, and Brian Lewotsky, a member of Warriors Society decided to take turns riding a bicycle and running the course. One participant showed up in sweatpants! We were surprised to see one participant arrive in sweatpants. Our support crews quickly stepped in and made sweat shorts from the sweat pants.
Cameron Panttaja (11 years old), son of Tim and Sherry (owners of Switchback Cyclery), was the most impressive rider at this event. It was difficult for an adult to ride this route. Can you imagine an 11-year-old doing it? Cameron struggled at times, as Sherry pointed in an email to me following the event.
His mental and physical challenges were many and he persevered to complete the journey. He was proud of himself and looks forward to the next event. It was great to go out with his family to work through the challenges and to have the support of friends.
Cameron learned perseverance, determination, and how to overcome challenges. We talked about the lessons he had learned on his bike ride across the Main Divide. These will be the memories that he uses in the future to help him overcome the challenges he will face throughout his life. He will also face challenges in his relationships, at work, and in life. This ride gave him a better understanding of the world and helped him to use it for the rest his life.
Sometimes, I wonder if it is worth the stress of preparing for these events and all the difficulties that may arise. To keep going, I need to recall experiences such as Camerons that were shared with others who take part in our events. Cameron was not at the Toad Festival. In the spirit of Vision Quest, the Warriors Society will award him a Vision Quest Coup Feat feather at the next meeting.
After the ride, everyone was treated to a delicious pasta lunch by Jim Simescu (our Master Chef) and Genny Devries (our lovely assistant). There were many prizes to raffle so that everyone got something. A separate raffle was held for great prizes. It included a Shimano disc brake set, a Manitou shock, and a Sherry and Tim bike. Ned Reynolds won a disc brake set, Keith Eckstein won a shock, and Brian Ephraim won a bike.
We are grateful to all club members, nominees, and supporters who supported the event and did a wonderful job. Jay Gentile, Mike Caffrey and Jesse Vargas are special thanks for providing mobile EMT support; Jesse Vargas helped to load and unload equipment before and after the event; Art Zippel designed the t-shirt; Jim Simescu cooked a delicious lunch; Joe Lopez is our Communications Director. This event was made possible by the support of ONeill Park staff and Virgil Mink from the U.S. Forest Service.
We are grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, Shimano and Manitou. Cytomax, the Warriors Society’s official fluid replacement drink, is Cytomax. Clif Bar is the Warriors Society’s official energy bar. Last but not least, thanks to everyone who participated in the 2005 Toad Festival.
Sundown Sprint Series: June 16, July 30 and July 14, at Flying B Ranch. Larry Lare-Dog Branham (leader of Warriors Society Dog Soldiers) laid the course. The race will last between 45 and 60 minutes with at least one ride-a-bike. There will be an Open Male/Female, and Novice Male/Female classes.
Open Class is for hammerheads. The Novice Course course is geared towards FUN, with a Lemans start as well as a few tests along the way. Our Young Braves will sponsor our kids race series. Warriors Racing Jr. will sponsor our kids race series. The Path Bike Shop and Switchback Cyclery are our team sponsors. Shimano, Manitou, Shimano, and Shimano are our team partners. Top series finishers will receive Coup Feathers in the form of gold, silver, and bronze beads. Shimano will be giving prizes to top finishers, and there will be a prize draw. Other fun activities are planned, including a D.J.
If you decide to do the entire series, the cost will be €80. This includes all food and drinks after the event. A T-shirt from the series may be available for purchase at the series finale on July 14th.
The next Young Braves ride is scheduled for Saturday, June 4. All trail workers and volunteers are welcome to join the ride.
Log on to www.warriorssociety.org for entry information.
