Police officers, Best Buddies staff, and volunteers will be available to assist you at the start, finish, rest stops, and throughout the course. Please look for staff in Best Buddies Challenge apparel. Additionally, our team of Domestiques will be riding alongside participants on the course wearing bright pink jerseys and will be able to provide immediate rider support on the road.
DOMESTIQUES
In cycling, a Domestique is a rider dedicated to support another rider, typically the team leader. For the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, we have hand-selected our Domestiques to serve you. Our Domestiques are carefully chosen based on their cycling experience, physical fitness, and leadership abilities.
The mission of a Best Buddies Challenge Domestique is to help every participant feel safe, that they belong, and that they matter. We can’t do the Challenge without YOU, and we’re excited to debut our Domestique program in 2019! The Domestiques are here to facilitate an amazing cycling experience that replicates riding in a UCI Pro Tour event, and make riders feel like they’re riding in a peloton.
Why Should I Ride with a Domestique?
With every large bike ride, groups will form and disintegrate based on the fitness and skill of the riders. Groups randomly forged with a broad spectrum of experience can be erratic, confusing and intimidating. The Domestique’s job is to ride in a manner that is smooth and safe, and to provide guidance and support on the course. Look for our Domestiques in bright pink jerseys on the course, and alert them if you need immediate assistance.
100-Mile Start Pace-Groups
This year we’re excited to share that our Domestique Program will also offer pace-groups at the 100-mile start line, for those riders interested in cycling at a pace which will arrive to the finish line at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, or after 3:00 PM.
There is no requirement to join a pace group, but if you are interested, you will have an opportunity to meet with your Domestique Pace Leader and other riders in that group before the ride on Saturday morning. Look for the appropriate signage for the meet-up areas in the check-in/breakfast area and the start-line corral at the 100-mile start. This is a great opportunity to make new cycling friends, and push yourself to set a new personal best!
Which Pace Group Should I Choose?
The 100-mile start line chute will be lined up in four start groups that will depart at two-minute intervals. The fastest and most aggressive riders will start first. Each group thereafter will travel at a more relaxed pace than the group ahead. The four groups are set to prevent faster riders from dangerously charging through the ranks of slower riders.
Pick the group that suits your attitude, level of fitness and cycling experience. Poll your friends and teammates to determine not just how fast they wish to ride, but also how many rest stops they wish to visit and for how long.
Group One: 7:00 a.m These riders will go almost at race pace and may stop only once and expect to finish before 12:30 p.m.
Group Two: 7:02 a.m These riders will travel at a brisk pace but will stop more often, finishing before 1:30 p.m.
Group Three: 7:04 a.m. These riders will roll at a comfortable pace and stop often, finishing before 2:30 p.m.
Group Four: 7:06 a.m. These riders will take their time, have fun, enjoy all of the rest stops and finish around 3:00 p.m.
Why Should I Ride with a Domestique?
The speed will be maintained at a rate that each Domestique determines to be appropriate for that respective group. Some Domestiques will be at the front of each group, blocking the wind, navigating the course, and alerting the group to any hazards. Other Domestiques will be on the back of each group, to provide assistance to any riders in need while communicating via radio to the lead Domestique of any speed adjustments required.
Can I Switch Groups?
Should you not be able to maintain a pace, simply drop back to a slower pace group or choose a different pace group at one of the rest stops. At each rest stop, a Domestique Pace Leader will announce the departure of their group and their estimated time of finish.
This group will travel safely and smoothly but also swiftly. Advanced elements will arrive in Hyannis Port around noon with the stragglers of this group coming in around 1 p.m. When these riders do stop the process will be brief and deliberate, lasting less than five minutes. These riders will deploy such tactics as rotating pace lines and echelon formations. There will be several surges and selections made, notably in the final 20 miles. Riders in this group are expected to fully understand group riding rules and road etiquette.
BART LIPINSKI – CAPTAIN
A medalist at national championships, Bart has been raising money and volunteering his time to Best Buddies events for the past 12 years. He’s an avid cyclist, competitive racer at local and national events and is also a Level 2 USA Cycling coach.
DOMESTIQUES
Tim Mitchell (CCB/Velotooler/Team Wyatt) Tate Kokobu (CCB/Velotooler/Team Wyatt) Lane Maher (CCB/Velotooler/Team Wyatt) Vitor Zucco Shizzi (CCB/Velotooler/Team Wyatt)
100-MILE, GROUP 2
ETA 1:30 P.M
Average Speed: 18+ mph
Stops: 3-4x
This group will roll swiftly but without surges or attacks. Advance elements of this group will arrive in Hyannis Port around 1 p.m. The rest stops will last between 5- and 10-minutes. Large groups form up using club tactics and formations designed to engage and retain riders. Riders in this group should be familiar with group riding skills and road etiquette.
RICHARD FRIES – CAPTAIN
Richard Fries is the director of cycling experience for Best Buddies. With more than 40 years experience, he has been a racer, commuter, tourist, promoter, advocate, journalist and commentator on the sport and lifestyle of cycling. Having raced at the professional level both in America and Europe, Fries is well known as a race announcer having called countless USA Cycling National Championships, World Cups, and UCI World Championships. But he is also a tireless advocate having recently served as the executive director of MassBike.
DOMESTIQUES
Chelsea Factor Christopher Zigmont Jaymz Lipinski Richard Batten Ron Jacobs Tom Francis John Mosher Almo Cattani
100-MILE, GROUP 3
ETA 2:30 P.M.
Average Speed 16+ mph
Stops 3-5x
This will be a group tailor made for novice riders seeking to improve their finish time regardless of their level of fitness. These riders will stay at a talking pace throughout the day and there will be ample opportunity for laughter. Advance elements of this group may intermingle with group 2 to arrive around 2 p.m. Riders will stay at the rest stops around 10 minutes per stop, but some may choose to skip a stop or two. With a large number of Domestiques, riders will receive a lot of instruction and encouragement and may be surprised by how fast this group travels using basic drafting techniques.
ERIC CARLSON – CAPTAIN
With 30-plus years experience Eric is a long time New England racer and year-round bicycle commuter. He’s dedicated hours to coaching top regional racers as well as novice riders for the Best Buddies Challenge. His friendly ‘roadside manner’ has gotten dozens of distressed beginners to the finish line in Hyannis Port.
EMILY CURLEY – CO-CAPTAIN
A native of the South Shore, Emily has been volunteering with the Best Buddies organization for more than 10 years. She graduated from Oberlin College in 2017 as captain of the women’s cross-country running program with a degree in neuroscience and chemistry. Emily currently works at AthleteReg and is heavily involved in the cycling industry. Familiar with all the roads used for Best Buddies, she competes in road, mountain bike, and elite cyclocross races for Corner Cycle.
DOMESTIQUES
Aaron Taylor Fred Thomas Joey O’Neil Patrick Sansbury Rees Madsen Steve Curran Bill Sawyer Billy Waddle Chris Spear Jamie Paterson Matt Donovan Michele Mosher Ryley Mosher Fisher Curran
100-MILE, GROUP 4
ETA 3 P.M.
Average Speed 14 mph
Stops 5x
This is the fun bunch! Working together, these riders will roll at a talking pace, use all the rest stops to recover and re-fuel, and have a lot of Domestique support in the event of any contingencies, be they mechanical, physical or spiritual. While the pace is genteel, Domestiques will usher these riders along to get them to Hyannis Port in time to enjoy the showers, the massage and the food. By working with the Domestiques, these riders will surprisingly conserve just enough energy to dance at the Flo Rida concert. Expect to learn about drafting, pacing, position, shifting and general cycling skills.
PAUL CURLEY – CAPTAIN
The Godfather of South Shore cycling, Paul has spearheaded the navigational, logistical and support efforts for Best Buddies for more than 15 years. Having just won his 31st national title, Paul has almost 50 years of cycling experience in road, mountain bike, cyclo-cross and tandem racing. He’s represented the U.S. at five World Championships and competed in 20 different countries. Having promoted the 1991 National Cyclo-cross Championships, he’s also produced dozens of charity athletic events.
EDDIE MEDINA – CO-CAPTAIN
For the Best Buddies riders who have done the clinics and training rides, Eddie is a friendly and familiar face. An adventurer and journalist from Boston, Eddie has a passion for cycling, surfing and martial arts. He’s ridden several long distance endurance events and raced cyclo-cross. With a background in media operations big and small, Eddie has held leadership positions in the newsrooms of The Boston Globe and The Associated Press. Careful around Eddie, though, as he’s likely to have cameras and microphones recording your experience!
DOMESTIQUES
Andrew Maker Chris Joseph Jim Salvie Lee Greathouse Matt Courtney Randy Miles Rob Cant Gary Bonenfant Jeremy McDonald Neal Gifford Chris Carda
50 MILE
ETA 1:30 P.M.
Average Speed: 14 mph
Stops: 2
This is challenging for any rider, with all the difficult elements of the 100-mile course clustered into the final half that these riders must face. Faster riders in this group can reach the finish by 1 pm by mixing in with the 100-mile groups. But most will arrive around 2 pm. Crossing windy cranberry bogs is tough enough but the rolling climbs all the way to the finish can be discouraging. Working with the Domestiques, however, the 50-mile riders will learn about drafting, shifting and descending safely.
LAUREN LeCLAIRE – CO-CAPTAIN
Lauren LeClaire is the director sportif and a racer for the Levine Law Group Elite Women’s Cycling team. They are currently ranked second in the USA CRITS Series nationally! Off the bike, she works for MassBike advocating for more bicycle friendly laws and infrastructure in the Bay State. She also does social media and PR for many cycling events across New England.
LORI LeCLAIRE COOK – CO-CAPTAIN
Lori is a masters elite bike racer with a particular fondness for cyclo-cross. You may notice the rainbow stripes on her shorts. She’s won several national and even world championships. Professionally trained and employed as a nurse, Lori loves to work with beginner and novice cyclists. But Lori’s real passion is cooking healthy food. Her dream? To run a food truck!
DOMESTIQUES
Laura Mullaly Michael Theroux Lauren Hefferon Leah Carlson Susan Brock Wendy Lorenz Peter Cheung
20-MILE
ETA 12:30 P.M.
Average Speed: 12 mph
Stops: 0
Starting in Sandwich, the 20-mile ride is geared for beginners. And the Domestiques are there to ensure everybody feels they are safe, that they belong, and that they matter. But this is still a tough course with the hardest climb of the day part of this route. The infamous “Cape-en-Berg” wall is just three miles into this endeavor. Domestiques in this group are there to help make any adjustments – be they physical, mechanical, or mental – to help these riders meet the challenge and get to Hyannis Port safely.
JILL BURNS – CO-CAPTAIN
Jill is the angel of our 20-mile ride. A full-time homeschooling mom of two teenage boys, Jill knows patience. She’s been participating in charity cycling rides for the past decade working with sturdy novices and wobbly beginners. She also volunteers with the Friends of Harold Parker State Forest, leading walks and helping organize events.
DOUG HEMPEL – CO-CAPTAIN
Doug re-discovered the joy of cycling about 10 years ago in a local charity ride. That led to a four-year stint as the president of the Cape Cod Cycling Club. He continues to lead regular rides and charity events on the Cape. Of late, he’s developed a curious – but healthy – addiction to cyclo-cross.
DOMESTIQUES
David Harraghy Matt Anderson Patrick Harraghy Zan Bross
