Disabled Sports Team Rolls
in the Fall Century

Terry Smutney

The Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra Fall Century Cycling Team, lead by Volunteer and Hand Cyclist, Terry Smutney, rode a glorious 80 miles on Saturday, September 8, 2007. Terry has Gulf War Syndrome which requires him to cycle using a hand crank cycle. His pit crew, Robin Conners, Anita Haenni, Susie Klein, Steve Morra and Nick Souza supported Terry's efforts to ride the 80 miles of the 100 miles of the High Sierra Fall Century Bike Ride.

Terry and his pit crew - Susie, Robin, Nick, Anita and Steve

It was a perfect day. The Team met at 6AM and was on the road by 6:30AM. A bit cool to start but with Susie at the wheel of their SAG (Support and Gear) vehicle the Team had no worries. Light breezes throughout the day and very reasonable temperatures allowed Smutney and his Team to optimize their miles. They were cheered on by the Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra Aid Station Crew at the first rest top. Bells were ringing as the Team stopped briefly before heading up to Deadman's Summit.

Robin, Terry and Greg LeMond

Smutney's DSES Team trained hard this past summer riding every inch of the Century course, timing each section and pushing Smutney's limits. It really paid off. The first climb was a breeze and the Team enjoyed the fun downhill to Rt. 120 reaching 40 miles per hour on the descent.

Route 120 East looks fairly flat in a car but in a hand cycling it becomes apparent that consistent pushing and pulling with the arms is required in a hand cycle for this portion of the ride. With never ending encouragement and coaching from his Team, Terry rolled into the second rest stop a third of the way up Sagehen Summit. They were greeted by the infamous. Greg LeMond, three time winner of the Tour De France Cycling Race. What a thrill to get a chance to chat and ride with LeMond.

Following their timeline, the Team decided the best tactic was to SAG to the top of Sagehen Summit where they started cycling again into Adobe Valley. The team was pleased to arrive at the lunch stop well ahead of many riders which had not happened in the last two years of riding in the Fall Century.

Anita, Susie, Robin, Terry, Greg LeMond and Steve

Experience pays off! Wasting no time, the Team tanked up quickly and headed across Adobe Valley - lots of ups and downs, horrendous cracks in the road and even the need to give Smutney a helpful push up a few of the steep ascents. They made great time arriving at the Black Lake Stop, Bottom of Wild Rose Canyon by 2:30PM.

Coming into the Finish

With sixty miles under their wheels they headed up the grade to Wild Rose Summit. A short SAG assist gave them time to cruise down to the sheep camp at the back of Waterson. One more short SAG and the Team glided down Waterson and spent the last 16 miles enjoying the late afternoon sun and spectacular Sierra views as they road back to the ball field.

A bit of camera trouble allowed the Team to pass the ball field and circle back for a staged finish photo completing their 80 mile ride. An awesome day, great company and expertise by whole DSES Team!! Once again Smutney has surpassed everyone's expectations and is already talking about how to squeeze in another 20 mile next year.

Huge thanks to the supporters of the Disabled Sports Cycling Team!! Dave McCoy, John Armstrong, Dave DeVries, Eastside Velo Bike Club, Sierra Cycling Foundation, Kathy Copeland, Lee Aaker, Susan Barnes, Sally DePerro, Paul & Evie Werthmann, Lennie Krantz, Noelle & Jay Deinken, Ruth Harrell, and Sean Turner. Come join this awesome ride next year and support the Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra Team any way you can.