Dear Editor,
I participated in last weekend’s first annual Laguna Dirt Fondo, an event supporting the Laguna Beach Interscholastic Mountain Bike Team(s). I have no connection to this event, other than as a participant, and addicted rider of our local trails. I have done races of all types over my fifty years, but this was one of the most well run grass-roots events in which I have ever participated. This was a HUGE task—it was 50 miles! The kids for whom the race benefited made the trophies, manned the some of the aid stations, and cheered the participants enthusiastically. The aid stations run by Eva’s Kitchen and The Ranch were incredible… with Eva actually removing the lid from the ice cold coconut water for the riders. (Literally the best thing that I have ever tasted.) The fresh energy bars at The Ranch… ridiculous. The poor guys running the Whole Foods aid station were certainly sparsely visited (it was at mile 40) but were stoked when we pedaled up and cheered us on coming and going. There were even volunteers in the middle of nowhere, standing for hours at a time and directing participants down the proper trails. Laguna Cyclery lent its support, La Sirena was slinging burritos and serving amazing lemonade, there was Oakley swag and the Troy Lee Designs boutique gave discounts to all participants. Thank you Tony Zentil, team director and your support team and everyone else who came out to participate in, and support this event. I can’t wait for next year and look forward to supporting this team, and these local merchants! This was the very definition of a community event and I can’t wait to be a sponsor and participant next year! For the 50th annual Dirt Fondo, I look forward to sitting in my wheelchair and ringing a cowbell at the finish.
Timothy M. Ryan, Irvine
