Club Member Spotlight

Recipe for Primavera Century
By Jim Takasugi
Photos courtesy Dale Blanchard

What’s the recipe for putting on one of the Bay Area’s longest running cycling events, the Primavera Century?  Just ask any of the 200 volunteers who do everything from sweeping the roads to baking cookies and bread for the annual spring bicycling event.

Working registration is a great job since you get to meet the riders as they arrive, excited for the event!

The Primavera Committee members have been busy planning the 2014 event since last August.  Andy Sass is serving his fourth year as Committee Chair.  Andy says “Volunteering is quite rewarding, seeing people complete the longest distances they have ever done. It’s like one big party.”  And he adds, “every year we ask riders for feedback, and every year the ride gets better. This year we’ve improved the signage and upgraded the post-ride meal.  And we really appreciate our sponsors.  Many of the bike shops supply mechanical support, and the people at Rios Lovell Winery open their private lawn area. Various vendors make sure we have great goodie bags.”

Sure, working at the Rest Stops requires some work, but the job can be a surprisingly fun too!

Vanessa McDonnell who organizes the “25-mile Fun Ride”, designed for riders who’ve recently taken up cycling and cyclists with families, describes herself as “one of those stay-at-home Moms who's rarely home”.  “The best part of the Primavera is the people. I love getting to know the club members off the bike and hearing the rider's stories.” The first year I helped at Coyote Hills for the Fun Ride, then I helped at Sunol for 2-3 years bopping to the beat of Marcella's awesome music, and dressing up as a pirate or a girl scout! This year, I'm excited that we're having food trucks for the after ride meal. I really hope our riders love them!”

Primavera Treasurer Julia Walker adds, “One year when I was at the lunch stop, one of the riders kept coming back for more cookies.  I think he ate about 20. Hopefully he finished the ride!”

Conni Smith, in charge of post-ride meal, has a lot of fun memories as well. “Another year, when it was well over 90 degrees, I spent most of the day turning the hose on and off at Palo Verde so riders could drench their heads.  They were so appreciative.” 

SAG and Radio Support Volunteers are important volunteer positions to ensure that the event runs smoothly.

So what’s the recipe for putting on the Primavera Century, year after year?  Take 1,000 or so enthusiastic cyclists, combine with one of East Bay’s most scenic bike routes.  Add a couple-dozen hard-working Committee Members and Sponsors.  And don’t forget the key ingredient: a bunch of fun-loving Volunteers.  The 42nd annual Primavera Century takes place on April 27th. See for yourself by volunteering at the Primavera Volunteer website!

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