June 19^th, 2003

Tragedy on US 60

You may have noticed the cyclists and support vehicles of the Race Across America (RAAM) passing through Socorro on Tuesday and Wednesday. The first solo rider left Socorro around 11AM on Tuesday, after leaving San Diego about 48 hours before. As of the writing of this story, (Wednesday night) all riders have passed through Socorro on their way to the finish in Atlantic City.

Tragedy struck early Wednesday morning near Pie Town, when rider Brett Malin of Team Vail - Go Fast was struck and killed by an 18-wheeler. Apparently Malin had just been relieved by his team mate after a 30-mile stretch when he turned across the road to meet up with his team follow vehicle. Unfortunately, he turned on a blind corner and did not hear the truck approaching. Emergency crews responded within 15 minutes, but Malin was pronounced dead at the scene.

Regular Rides and Runs Around Socorro

These are not SSR-sponsored club events!

• Cycling (Road): MWF 11:30 AM, meet at the IRIS Parking Lot.
• Cycling (MTB): Friday 11:30 AM, meet at the IRIS Parking Lot.
• Running: Sunday social run, meet at Tech pool parking lot, 7AM Sundays.

Like to start a new regular run or ride? Contact Matt Perini to get it listed here.

Fat Tire Fiesta And Triathlon Preparations in High Gear

Striders And Riders premier events, the Socorro Fat Tire Fiesta and the Socorro Chile Harvest Triathlon are both coming up soon. Both events are also in need of volunteers; if you're interested in helping out at two of Socorro (and New Mexico's) finest sporting events, contact us at matt@pmc-inc.com. In particular, the Fat Tire Fiesta is looking for people who can make trail traces for the ride maps.

Week in Review

Since the last posting, we've had what seems to have been a busy week. The Hash House Harriers met at the Brew Pub last week for our last dead trail hash. We chased around the south end of town this time, stopping for two beer checks before returning to the pub for refreshments. Next time: live hare!

Mike Dennis competed in the ACA state road race championships last weekend near Laguna. Mike hung on during the climbs, but his light body didn't help on the descents, and he finished in eight place in his age group.

I hope I'm not jumping the gun, but there's a new bike shop in the works for Socorro. I hope to have an official announcement soon.

We met once again to clean up our section of US 60 on Wednesday. This time, Robert, Catharine, Pat, Laura, Jim, and Matt worked for about 45 minutes before it started to rain. We waited in the rain for RAAM riders to pass by, but it seems that our timing was off. About a month ago, Mark, Mark, Cathy, and Matt cleaned up the hill section. Thanks to everybody who helps with this little project.