A dozen years! It seems like only yesterday that Greg Wilcox conceived the idea of a century ride in the mountains that everyone could ride. He was on to something as the ride has grown from 132 to 1,000. One thousand riders was our cap for the ride and we sold out. Our youngest rider was eight and our oldest 84, further proof that anyone could do the Flyer. Our reputation of beautiful mountain scenery without long mountain climbs is spreading as we had riders from 20 states. Thanks to the … [Read more...]
Fletcher Flyer – Year Eleven
December 7, 2014
After 10 years of starting and finishing at Fletcher Park, the ride's start/finish was moved to Oskar Blue's Brewery in Brevard. The Fletcher Flyer Director, Ben Elderd, searching for a convenient and safe rest stop, stopped in at Oskar Blues to see if it was possible to use their facilities for this purpose. Oskar Blue's personnel, Anne and Aaron, said, "Why not start and finish here?" The decision was a difficult one. Added to the extra work of developing new routes and finding new rest … [Read more...]
Fletcher Flyer – Year Ten
December 3, 2014
The first Fletcher Flyer was held in 2003 and attracted 216 riders. In 2013 we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Fletcher Flyer and had over 800 registrants. For the first time we had ride jerseys designed specifically for the Fletcher Flyer by Free Spirit Wear. Also for the first time we hired an Event Manager, Jen Billstrom of Velo Girl Rides. Jen's husband, David Billstrom, volunteered to be the first Safety Director of the Fletcher Flyer and wrote our safety plan. Jen and David did … [Read more...]
Fletcher Flyer – Year Nine
April 22, 2013
Year Nine of the Fletcher Flyer By Jason Wilde Robbie asked me to help out with the 2011 Flyer as Ride Leader and handed me a detailed job description and timeline. The materials were clear and organized but definitely did not prepare me mentally (and physically) for the challenges that awaited. The Ride Leader for that year and the next communicated with rest stop owners, handled all of the rentals (chairs, tables, sound system, truck, etc), was the right hand to the Director on event day, … [Read more...]
Fletcher Flyer – The Sweetser Years
April 22, 2013
Year Six, Seven, Eight of the Fletcher Flyer 2009---2011 by Robbie Sweetser It's interesting to think back on my involvement with the Fletcher Flyer. Many things I have forgotten. My initial involvement came when at the 2007 BRBC Christmas party Charlie Clogston asked for help on the 2008 Flyer. I offered to help out a little. Little is the key word! Little did I know Charlie was looking for someone to take over as ride director the following year and I was now director-in-training. My … [Read more...]
Fletcher Flyer – The Fifth Year
April 21, 2013
Installment Five of the History of the Fletcher Flyer by Joe Sechler As some may recall we were having rest stop problems at Brannon & Turnpike Rds and the one at the end of South Mills, I had to do a little business development and recruit land owners for two new rest stops: one being at S. Rugby & Hwy 64, and the other at School House & Banner. Coincidentally, Bill Crownover, Bob Edsall and I did half of the Fletcher Flyer (in November) and stopped at the strip shops at S. Rugby … [Read more...]
Fletcher Flyer – The Fourth Year
April 17, 2013
Year Four of the Fletcher Flyer – 2007 by Charlie Clogston In 2007, Joe Sechler applied his creativity to many areas of the Fletcher Flyer. He initiated BRBC's first on-line registration process through Active.com, with the help of Val Smith. He had gotten feedback that the after ride meal of hot and not dogs was not well appreciated. Even the cold turkey wraps the previous year had been in the back of the refrigerator and some had frozen. Joe explored alternatives and served a full BBQ lunch … [Read more...]
Fletcher Flyer – The Third Year
April 14, 2013
Year Three of the Fletcher Flyer By Charlie Clogston In 2006, Charlie Clogston moved to be ride director of the Hilly Hellacious and Joe Sechler took over the Fletcher Flyer. In his first year, Joe mostly continued the processes that were in place, to avoid too much change in his first year. But he spotted potential improvements in every process. He recruited Jim and Val Smith to take over the registration area and they brought a new perspective. The biggest change that year was when the … [Read more...]
The Woman Behind the Jersey
January 25, 2013
by Joe Sechler (past Fletcher Flyer Ride Director) A bit of trivia for you regarding Kathy Sarns, the designer of the BRBC FF commemorative jersey, which is fantastic, in my opinion. In June of 2006, my wife and I did a private group, 12 day rafting trip through the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge of Alaska terminating at the Bearing Sea, the Arctic Ocean. Upon completion, we came back through Anchorage. During the summer, there is a art, craft and food festival downtown each Saturday. We … [Read more...]
Fletcher Flyer – The Second Year
January 10, 2013
Year Two of the Fletcher Flyer By Charlie Clogston The month before the second Fletcher Flyer began with a tragic event. Greg Wilcox, who originated the route concept, was found in a deep ditch, fatally injured in a bike crash. There was no evidence of any involvement of a car so the cause remains a mystery to this day. We dedicated the Flyer that year to the memory of Greg and all he had done for the BRBC with the Flyer and as webmaster. After the first Flyer, Greg had told his mother, Ruth … [Read more...]
