by Marc Kramer
Throwing aside his faun-coloured trench coat to reveal a dashing tuxedo jacket and brilliant red-and-black tartan "complete with sporran" Dave MacLean looked more like he was about to address the Mel Gibson fan club than 175 ebullient cyclists. But the Cyclon director once again belied his quiet demeanor, and for the second consecutive year infused the Cyclon dinner/dance with his own brand of impish humour with his surprising attire and public pondering of "just what does the Scotsman wear beneath his kilt?"
It is, of course, cycling that is at the core of any Cyclon weekend. Somewhat cooler than last year, the weather during Cyclon '97 was ideal for riding. And the tidy vineyards, the spectacular Niagara Gorge, the small towns linked by rural roads passing through fields of wheat and fragrant clover, all once again made for wonderful and picturesque routes. Many riders took full advantageþincluding tours and tastingsþof the numerous wineries that dot the region, while Long Tourist and Sportif riders had the pleasure of slogging up "that Effing hill" on Effingham Road en route to Fonthill.
But it's the people, and the opportunity to ride and talk and mingle and relax with 175 other enthusiastic cyclist that gives each and every Cyclon event its heart and soul. This year was no exception. The courtyards of the townhouse clusters at Brock University seemed to incubate spontaneous après ride gatherings. Meal times in the dining hall--especially the Sunday dinner and dance--provided greater opportunity to catch up with old acquaintances. And in addition to the many familiar faces, it was encouraging to see numerous new TBN members and non-members taking part this year as well.
None of this would have been possible without the spirited volunteers who assisted throughout the weekend with registration and check-in, tour leading, lunch distribution, piloting the bike-bus and all of the other myriad tasks that go into an event such as Cyclon. More-over, none of this would have been possible without the volunteers comprising the Cyclon '97 committee, including Léo Charbonneau, Bill Hannaford, Rob Long, Brenda Porter and, of course, Dave MacLean.
In keeping with the tradition of changing the venue every two years, tentative arrangements have been made to hold Cyclon '98 in Kingston. As well, Dave MacLean has tentatively agreed to be the director of Cyclon '98. If you would like to assist in this dynamic event and be a part of the Cyclon '98 committee (a labour of love for sure!), please contact Dave at (416) 482-8033.
What will Dave do to surprise us next year? Who knows? But as a friend once remarked after watching the film Brave Heart, you'd never ride in a kilt a second time!