Volunteers really do run the world. Yesterday was the 2009 Michigan State Criterium Championships at the Tour de Gaslight race in East Grand Rapids. It was an awesome event with tons of talented racers from all different levels competing in 10 different race for $5000 in prize money.
A lot of things go into a great event: sponsors, a good cause, skilled participants, and much more. But, what really makes the difference between a smooth, efficient day of competition and chaos is all the volunteers. The Tour de Gaslight volunteer corps was headed up by Rapid Wheelmen Vice President Kim Kordecki and David DeJong. So this goes out to the volunteers! If you haven’t volunteered for anything lately, DO IT! It’s so satisfying to help out!
And if you really want to make my wife happy (God knows I think you should 
) you’d volunteer for the Colorburst Bicycle Tour on October 10th. Email Amy at: amylynne (AT) gmail.com if you are interested. Volunteers ride for free, but we have many opportunities for non-riders as well!
Some volunteers are more useful than others.
"What is this? A bicycle race?" -- volunteers = public relations
You can find all of my photos of the race on Flickr!
Tour de Gaslight's only paid "volunteers"
Volunteering is family friendly
Telling his friend how cool it is to volunteer
My wife Amy, fueling up for her volunteer shift
I notice a pattern of large grins!
You can't hide from my long lens, Greg
A smooth registration process makes for happy athletes
Driving the golf cart has to be my dream volunteer job.
When you talk on the microphone, you gotta keep the energy level high!
Brian keeps the wild crowd under control at Turn 1
This sweet smile hides an Evil Volunteer Mastermind - Thanks for your hard work Kim!!
