Tour de Norfolk destined to grow even bigger after inaugural event. Cycling event is a tour de force

Vicki Hartlen Delhi News-Record
Wednesday July 25, 2007

Brandon Stetler had a goal to achieve on Saturday.
“I knew I could do it,” said the 10-year-old Windham resident, who completed the 75-kilometre route of Delhi’s inaugural Le Tour de Norfolk on Saturday. “It was easy.”
While Brandon says the route was easy, his father Jerry has a slightly different version of events.
“We struggled a little bit when we were down by the lake,” said Jerry, who used to professional race bicycles “back in the day.”
Due to the strong, head-facing winds, Jerry said they had to fight hard to keep pedaling.
“We only stopped twice for bathroom breaks,” said Brandon, with a sense of accomplishment. “We made it all the way.”
Brandon and his dad biked about 30-40 km, three days per week prior to the tour.
“We wanted to make sure we were at least a little ready for this,” said Brandon.

And ready they were, completing the 75 km route in less than three hours.
“Next year I want to do the 100 km one,” exclaimed Brandon.
“I don’t know if I can handle the 100 km,” Jerry piped in.
Whether they end up doing the 75 or 100 km routes, both agreed they are planning to return next year.
Event organizer and Delhi Uptown BIA Coordinator Yvette Mahieu said many participants echoed the same sentiments.
“We’ve had a great response from all participants,” said Mahieu, as cyclists came back from their respective routes.
The tour included four various distance routes: 40, 75, 100 and 160 km, which took cyclists on routes through Norfolk County’s roads and communities.
“It was a gorgeous ride,” said Andrea Riddoch. “I hope they make this an annual event. I had such a fabulous time I’d be back again next year in an instant. I’d even volunteer if they need it.”
Mahieu said the tour attracted more than 300 cyclists, including two cyclists from Sweden and others from Michigan and Texas.
“It was crazy this morning,” recalled Mahieu. “We were supposed to have the cyclists start anywhere from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., but they were already here and ready to go at 7 a.m.”
Mahieu said her brother-in-law ended up having to direct traffic at the Belgian Hall, where the event began.
“We did above and beyond what I had expected,” said Mahieu. “The day has gone by so smoothly. The volunteers have been great, the weather couldn’t be better and the participation numbers speak for themselves.”
Of the four distance routes, Mahieu said there were 45 cyclists on the 40 km route, 40 cyclists on the 75 km route, 70 cyclists on the 100 km route and 50 cyclists on the 160 km route.
“This is the first annual and it can only get bigger and better from here,” Mahieu added.