July Volunteers of the Month: All the Downieville Classic Volunteers

From Debbie:

Volunteer of the month? Lets just say volunteers.....

This month we are recognizing all of the volunteers who were a part of the 15th Annual Downieville Classic. Seeing that it takes a village to pull off this event, we would like to thank every single one of you. Sorry, no sweatshirts this month, only words of gratitude since there are over 100 of you.

This year's volunteer posse included folks who had never even been to Downieville to those who had been coming so long that I've lost count... Friends who have recruited friends, generations of families, and kids who began volunteering years back who are now old enough to race!

I thought last year we had the youngest volunteer at 4 years old, but this year we had a family with a 1 month old daughter/granddaughter who worked the Third Divide Water Station!

We'd like to thank a few of our team leaders, without whom this event would not exist: Kathy, Jesse, Johnnie, Milan, Donene, Wanda, Metal, Melissa, Mark, Todd, Tod, Terri, Kim, Jen, Scott, Mickie, Roger, Dave, and Zachi – you all rock.

Dan & Ingrid from the Downieville Grocery deserve an extra special thanks for their ongoing support that happens not only during the classic but all year round. These two are constantly fundraising for us at the Grocery Store and are always willing to step up and help out any way possible. Thanks guys.

Another couple who have alway been amazing to the Stewardship are Liz & John from the Carriage House who will do just about anything we ask. Liz even poured beer late night and watched the bike check during the River Jump... pretty awesome.

A few moments stood out this year, where volunteers went above and beyond, demonstrating that this world class event is produced not just by the promoters, but by the entire community:

• Jesse and Johnnie not only ran the finish line both days but worked for months in advance planning for it, with the help of Terri, Kim, Rich, Steve, Mandi, Sean many more...
• Kathy resiliently sold raffle tickets for over 12 hours both days in the relentless hot sun amplified by her bright yellow wig
• The river jump crew that built the ramp on Friday did double duty this year, serving second shift as Moto support the two following days, complete with a chicken suit taunter on the Pauley Creek bridge
• Milan, Donene, Mark, Lori, Wanda and Chis worked late into the night Friday night just to be up at dawn to man the aid stations
• Veteran volunteer, Melissa, took bike check to a whole new level with laminated bike check row numbers to help make the operation almost work itself
• Max and was carrying boxes and boxes of stuff all weekend long... after building trails for SBTS all week (you would think he needed a break?!)
• Metal Mike, jack of all volunteer traits and SBTS Hall of Famer, worked the water station, was lead on camera, ran the recycling program, shlepped the U-Hauls filled the ramp materials, and helped cart all the gear for the course back to it's proper place on Monday after everyone went home
• Mark Weir, our 8 time downhill champion, was found sweeping the street and picking up trash on Monday morning after most folks had long since gone home

It's all these little bits that make this event so special.

And of course, we must give thanks to all of the business owners who welcomed each and every visitor with open arms. The people of Downieville and Sierra City do a great job at embracing the mountain biking community for 3 action packed days as we host the biggest event of the year. Also, a shout out to The Downieville Fire Department who patch up more people in one weekend then almost all year!

And where would we be without Marty, who announces with such charisma all day and night and Mark for setting up an awesome sound system. I learned honey is Marty's secret to help him keep his voice until at least Monday morning!

Lastly, I would be remiss if all of our significant others were not given a shout out. It comes with the territory, but is not necessarily a given that those closest to the board will lend a hand. That being said, but none of us could pull this event off without the love, support and help from our loved ones and families. There is a lot of time that goes into this and we all have lives outside of Classic duties. This event is truly a labor of love for all of us and we thank each and every one of you for your support. So thanks. Thanks a million.