by t.t.
The Iron Lung, Volume 2, Issue 1, 1997
Let’s go back in time to August 1996, to the Second Annual Iron LungMessenger Challenge- our own little alleycat scramble. A happy time, acoveted Saturday. Nothing but sunshine and good times to be had.
Everyone met at Westlake Center. There were about 15 riders presentingmost of the various companies around town. They were each given a sealedmanifest with 20 addresses including 123 3rd S., 200 1stW., the Alibi Room,and more, including some "core" stops. The riders were to pick17 addresses and visit them in any order. At each stop was a chalked wordto write down as proof that you'd been there . Those racing, not wantingto seem unskilled, glanced briefly at their manifests and quickly rolledout. For us lazy folks, now was the time to just settle in and wait forthe first one back.
While us curbwarmers waited, we decided to get a pool going on whattime we thought the first person would roll in. With money at stake, oureyes were peeled for anything on two wheels. Anthony of Elliott Bay wasthe first guy back, but he realized he had missed several stops so he tookoff. Mike Dodge of Fleetfoot was the next in.
Whipping out his manifest to jot down the last couple of words he hadcollected, noticed that he had forgotten to get the word at 101 Stewart.He had ridden past it, blanked out, but counted it within his 17 stops.He found himself short one stop, so he sped away.
We knew it wouldn't take long for Mike D. To bust one more out, andsurely the hounds were on his back. These guys were hungry for fame andfortune. After a few minutes that seemed like an eternity we spotted Mikecoming towards us like a bat out of hell, dippin' the corner of 4th Ave.He rolls up, does his signature bike toss, arms up, yelling Yeah!".A clean First. We had all overestimated the time it would take them, forcingus to call off our pool, We each got our bucks back, and lost out on thechance to win the "BIG Jackpot'. About three minutes later, Brad Lewis,formerly of ENA, came in to claim Second Place, followed within momentsby Chris McCoy of Fleetfoot. Unfortunately, only two ladies participatedthis year, Heather of ABC came in First, Maria of PNP Second. WAY TO GOGUYS!!!
With a prize list of about $400 in merchandise and gift certificatesdonated by the sponsors-Z Bags, Recycled Cycles, and Second Bounce-winnerswere rewarded for their efforts. Not too shabby for a free race. So thanksto the sponsors for their contributions, and also to everyone who participated.Also a hearty thanks to Eddie Silvetti for wrapping it up with a darn goodparty that night.
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