Discover Walla Walla

The gods were angry in 2005. At least at bicycle racers. Races proceed almost regardless of conditions.

But four years ago, a lightening storm passed through and forced us to cancel one stage of the 3-stage Tour of Walla Walla. The race has generally been fortunate with good weather over the years. That year lightening was striking on the hill between Middle Waitsburg Road and Highway 12 a couple miles south of Waitsburg just as several groups were approaching the town.

For the safety of the riders and volunteers, the race was halted, and everyone was told to go to Waitsburg. A couple groups had already passed through town and were climbing the hill. Others were still approaching town.

For cover and to get warm, riders went to the local fire station, the grocery store, the hardware store, or wherever they could find some floor space to sit down. Firemen pulled out their fire coats to help the wet and chilled cyclists warm up. The grocery store gave them coffee and hot chocolate. None of the racers had a dime- they are racing, after all- but no worry.

We waited for what seemed like an eternity for the storm to pass so we could continue the race. But the storm seemed to like that hill, and it stayed put, striking within yards of the road.

Many racers emailed me the next week. Some wrote letters to the editor. All were amazed at the hospitality displayed by the whole community of Waitsburg. They said that experience will go down as one of their favorites in their bicycle racing careers. The warmth from the people of Waitsburg and the camaraderie developed with the other competitors have been lasting memories.

Though the 2005 memory is a fond one, we hope 2009 will not have a similar history. As I write this blog, we are preparing for the 2009 edition on April 17 through 19. We trust that we have paid our penance, and that our good luck for the race will continue this year.