Roll The Credits....

More Pictures:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/27394111@N04/sets/72157625224430623/

Also, the news article written by the Billings Gazette about the races (they took some good pictures too, check them out on the webpage):  http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/article_6f945801-8f5b-5791-873a-9a8413a55ed2.html

Wow, I can't believe it's all over.  The whole experience was pretty bad-to-the-bone.  I learned a lot - mostly all on race day - but people seemed to enjoy it none the less.  All the awesome volunteers seemed to summon enough superhuman strength to hide all the insufficiencies that I could see being exposed due to my lack of experience. 

Now for a word to the sponsors:

Spoke Shop of Billings, MT:  Jim, thank you so much for your support.  The raffle was a huge success thanks to you.  Being able to give away such great prizes was really fun and I know the racers enjoyed it.  Thank you also for the tent.  It provided a great home base for registration and a haven for the volunteers to relax for a bit.  Also, be happy knowing that about 50 Spoke Shop water bottles have been distributed to racers throughout Montana... not to mention a couple t-shirts.

Coach Jay Inc - Jay!  My friend and sponsor.  You are the only sponsor that came out and raced!  And you brought the whole family.  Thanks for your help, encouragement, support, and "constructive advice" all along the way.... Check out Coach Jay for a great cycling / multi-sport coach.  His palmares is really quite impressive.

American Title & Escrow - Ted, Thank you so much for your 'late entry' as a sponsor.  You are the only sponsor that stepped up to volunteer as well!  Thank you so much for helping to make the raffle happen.  Thanks for the enthusiasm you showed.  Thanks for being my "Race Day Hospitality Expert".  And thanks for picking up the coffee on Sunday morning!

Harvest Church / Rock Creek Coffee Roasters - George and Peggy - Thank you so much! Our cups were over flowing... with great tasting and fresh coffee.  Despite the weather being substancially warmer than anyone could have predicted, the warm drinks were well received and appreciate by racers and volunteers alike.

Hammer Nutrition - Wow, you guys up in Whitefish rock.  Kendra, was so helpful and great at working with a newbie promotoer like me.  Thanks for the nutrition supplements that were comp'd and thanks for the great deals on the other stuff.  It was very appreciated during our raffle.  Thanks for supporting Montana racing!

Billings Area Cycling Network - Ok, well, this wasn't really a sponsor, unless you count the fact that two-thirds of the managment of BACN were involved in donating their time to the success of the race on race day.

Volunteers, Contributors, and Helpers - OK, I'll try to name everybody.  Fingers crossed I get everybody.  Mike Ritter, Reece Masters, Randy Hammerquist, Ted Lovec, Sheila Martus, Becca Fischer, Ari Greenberg, Tina Whitfield, Dave Chakos, Ed Whitfield, Aimee, Steve Mysse, Don Cole, Carissa Klarich, Mark Soueidie, Pat Duey, Shaun Radley, Jim Nallick, Alex Lussier, Jon Tompson & the Billings Parks Department, and the folks at USA Cycling.

And lastly, I absolutely have to thank my savior, Jesus Christ.  May I continually strive to serve others in the manner that You have taught me.  To You be the glory forever!

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10

Signing Off,
Rob Newsom