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Archived Results of All 3RVS September Touring Challenges
The September Touring Challenge was born in 2014 as a distance challenge for club members. Awards are presented at our annual End of Season Party each year to club members who join this club challenge and log their cycling distance on Strava. Awards are presented to 3RVS members who bicycle 500, 750, 1000, or 1610 kilometers (1,000 miles) from September 1 through September 30. Additionally, podium awards are presented to the top three male and female members who ride the most kilometers during September. Members' distances for any bicycling event, either a club tour, race, off road, riding by yourself, or smart trainer program such as Zwift are accepted as long as the ride is transferred to Strava showing details of the ride, such as distance, time, and a map of the course ridden. No manual entries are accepted unless a rider's recording device fails during the ride, in which case riders may enter lost miles as a manual entry along with the portion of the ride that was recorded offering an explanation for the lost distance in the description box and having the entry approved by the touring director or Challenge Administrator. To join the 3RVS September Touring Challenge go to www.strava.com/clubs/3rvs and sign up. The Strava September Touring Challenge page is a closed group for club members only. After you apply to join the challenge your 3RVS membership will be verified, then your place on the roster will be approved.
View the Current Leaderboard at: www.americanclassicgroup.com/3rvs/3rvschallenge.htm
The 2024 September Touring Challenge Review
Day 1: Today
is the first day of the triple century weekend! 17 club members
rode 100 miles or more. Marty Smolinski recorded the most
kilometers of anyone. Congratulations to Aaron Hoover and Kyle
Schwyn who completed centuries for the first time ever! Valerie
Litznerski, Kyle Schwyn, and Russ Stephens take the top three
placements on the competitive leaderboard as we begin our
challenge!
Day 2: Of
the 17 riders who completed a century yesterday, 10 of them went
on to complete another century today! Who will conquer the
triple century challenge this year? We'll find out tomorrow. Joe
Bartels, Russ Stephens, and Carolyn Trier take the top three
placements on the competitive leaderboard!
Day 3: Wow! Amazing accomplishments all around as we kicked off the challenge over the holiday weekend. The St Joe Labor Day event saw 36 participants rack up the miles on Phil Snider's loop course. 10 cyclists completed the triple century challenge and they shall be named! Clinton Allen, Joe Bartels, Kevin Crews, Aaron Hoover, Steve Pequignot, Cynthia Roberts, Marty Smolinski, Patrick Stelte, Russ Stephens, and Carolyn Trier - CONGRATULATIONS! Day 4: Who's been bitten by the September riding bug! Eight cyclists have reached 500k or more and several pairs of competitors are emerging this week: Joe Bartels (665.79k) vs Steve Pequignot (654.68k), Aaron Hoover (572.93k) vs Russ Stephens (572.12k), and Carolyn Trier (552.49k) vs Cynthia Roberts (528.6k). A third of the cyclists from the personal challenge have already hit or surpassed the 25% progress mark toward their goals!
Day 6: We're almost one week in and it's so fun watching everyone log their miles! I see those extra commutes to a meal with friends, a family get together, appointments, work! It adds up and y'all are doing a great job taking opportunities to be outside. Shout out to the women's podium contenders who are crushing it! Cynthia Roberts (640.2k), Carolyn Trier (602.22k), and Wanda Reed (528.67k). Day 7: Steve Pequignot is the first to reach 1000k! Many riders like to take Friday off, but Aaron Hoover made a move up to second place overall and Wanda Reed worked to close the gap toward Cynthia Roberts and Carolyn Trier! Looking forward to a beautiful weekend! Day 8: Less than 50k separates the top three women, who also occupy 5th, 6th, and 7th place on the overall leaderboard: Carolyn Trier (716.48k), Cynthia Roberts (696.52k), and Wanda Reed (674.48k). Incredible work, ladies! In 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th we've got these beasts: Steve Pequignot (1,205.72k), Aaron Hoover (817.22k), Russ Stephens (772.32k), and Patrick Stelte (720.18k). Sounds like many have a big day planned for tomorrow, can't wait to see the miles roll in! Day 9: Damn! A huge day as many club members rode in Wabash, IN at the Dam 2 Dam event! Four competitors (Jon DeWitt, Aaron Hoover, Colton Ihrie, and Gus Menezes) completed a whopping 150 miles at 21mph average, sheesh!! Cynthia Roberts snatched the top spot in the women's event and she's got three cyclists trying to get back to her wheel, all who just reached the 750k level (Carolyn Trier, Wanda Reed, and Valerie Litznerski)! Personal challengers have been super strong with several participants already over the halfway mark toward their goals (Helen Best, Kounsavanh Nelson, Rosy Saylor, Marty Smolinski, and Denise & Jim Snyder). Keep it up, y'all! Day 11: Russ Stephens is the third participant to reach 1000k! Wanda Reed takes the top women's spot along with fourth place overall! Cynthia Roberts, Patrick Stelte, and Todd Andersen are close behind. 25 riders between both challenge options have each completed over 300 miles! Day 12: More personal challengers reached over 50% of their goal (Bill Meyer and Steve Edmiston)! Of the 44 competitive challengers, the average miles completed by each rider is now 542k (336.7 miles)!! We're not even two weeks in, folks! Steve Pequignot is the first to reach 1,000 miles, congratulations! A pillar of our cycling community here in northeast IN, Steve is a former Touring Director who made a huge impact. He created the September Touring Challenge 11 years ago and continues to support us today. We cheer for his Zwifting! Day 13: In the personal challenge Tim Johnston has completed 96% of his monthly goal of 195 kilometers. Ten others, Bill Meyer, Brenda Wiley, Jim and Denise Snyder, Helen Best, Kounsavanh Nelson, Marty Smolinski, Mike Miller, Rosy Saylor, and Steve Edmiston have all reached 50% or more of their goals. Valerie Liznerski has passed Carolyn Trier for third place in the Ladies' Challenge, tightening the top three. Wanda Reed remains on top with 977 km; Cynthia Roberts is second place with 945 km; and Valerie has 886 km in third place. As we near the halfway point in the challenge, the ladies' race could lead to a final sprint. Day 14: Wanda Reed and Cynthia Roberts become the first two ladies to reach 1,000 km as their race for the top spot on the podium remains close. In the personal challenge Jim and Denise Snyder are only 57 kilometers from their challenge goal. Day 15: We are halfway through the challenge already. In just 15 days we have seen 8 riders surpass 1,000 kilometers: Steve Pequignot, Aaron Hoover, Russ Stephens, Wanda Reed, Cynthia Roberts, Patrick Stelte, Todd Andersen and Valerie Litznerski. Wanda Reed maintains a 70 km lead over Cynthia Roberts in the ladies challenge. Jim and Denise Snyder become the first two riders in the personal challenge to achieve their September goal, with Tim Johnston and Helen Best inching close. Day 16: The biggest ride of the day belongs to Valerie Litznerski a 170 km effort. Aaron Hoover rode 166 km, keeping him in second place overall and becomes the second rider to reach the 1,610 km (1,000 miles) level. Valerie and Aaron were the only two riders to capture an imperial century for the day. Todd Andersen was not far behind riding 145 km moving him up to fifth place. Russ Stephens piled on another 103 km today keeping him on a podium place. Keith Pulfer also rode 103 km and is in nineth place. Colton Ihrie stayed in the top ten, riding 102 km. Patrick Stelte held onto sixth place with a 101 km performance. Wanda Reed increased her lead to 99 km in the ladies division over Cynthia Roberts, while Aaron Hoover closes the gap by 65 km on first place overall. In the personal challenge Tim Johnston has surpassed his September goal of 195 kilometers becoming the third rider to meet their September goal. The 43 active riders in the competitive challenge, along with the 31 riders in the personal challenge collectively have amassed a total of 42,515.2 kilometers through 16 days. Great effort everyone! Keep it rolling. Day 17: Steve Pequignot becomes the first rider to exceed 2,000 kilometers this challenge. Wanda Reed expands her lead to 189 km over Cynthia Roberts in the ladies' division and moves up to third overall on the challenge leaderboard. Aaron Hoover and Russ Stephens are in second and third places respectively in the men's division. Todd Andersen is inching closer to the podium as we head into week three. Twenty-six riders in the competitive challenge have earned awards. Mike Miller rides the most miles of anyone in the personal challenge today and reaches 73% of his September goal of 1,000 km. Day 18: Wanda Reed has another big day, stretching her lead to 230 km in the ladies' division. Valerie Litznerski rides 70 km today and bumps Cynthia Roberts out of second place. In the men's division Michael Quinn rides 122 km and breaks into the top ten on the leaderboard. In the personal challenge Helen Best and Rosy Saylor both reached their September goals today. The weather continues to look ideal through the weekend for as many miles as anyone cares to ride. Day 19: The only change in the top ten today saw Keith Pulfer move up to eighth place ahead of Cynthia Roberts. Wanda Reed continues to impress with a 124 km day. All podium positions remain unchanged from yesterday. In the personal challenge Marty Smolinski has the most distance with 1,320 kilometers, and has achieved 82% of his goal. Other personal challenge riders who have surpassed 1,000 km include: Clinton Allen, Denise and Jim Snyder. Day 20: Todd Andersen piles on 74 km today to move into fourth place on the leaderboard and reaches the men's podium. Steve Pequignot remains on the top of the leaderboard with 2,440 km. Aaron Hoover is 2nd with 1,930 km and Todd Andersen is 3rd in the men's division with 1,506 km. The ladies' leaderboard remains the same with Wanda Reed 1st at 1,597 km and third place overall; Valerie Litznerski is 2nd with 1,292 km; and Cynthia Roberts is 3rd with 1,261 km. Colten Ihrie and Tom Lill both reach the 1,000 km award level today. Thirty of the 44 riders in the competitive challenge have earned awards. In the personal challenge 13 riders are on pace to reach their personal goals as we head into the final ten days of the challenge. Denise Snyder, Jim Snyder, Helen Best, Rosy Saylor, and Tim Johnston have already completed their challenge goals. Day 21: The big news this day is that Wanda Reed becomes the first woman to reach 1,610 km (1,000 miles), the highest award level and is enshrined into the September Touring Challenge Road of Fame. Russ Stephens and Todd Andersen continue their battle for third place on the men's podium. Today, Russ rides around Todd and holds a slim 31 km edge. Keith Pulfer has moved up to sixth place on the leaderboard. Valerie Litznerski and Cynthia Roberts are second and third respectively on the ladies' podium, just 55 km apart. Marty Smolinski continues to have the most distance of all riders in the the personal challenge; but he is still 264 km away from his huge goal of 1,610 km. Go Marty go! Day 22: Some big Ks today! Aaron Hoover cut 101 km off of Steve Pequignot's lead today by becoming the second rider to surpass 2,000 kilometers. Wanda Reed had an even bigger day by riding 130 km stretching her lead in the ladies' division to 431 km. Russ Stephens holds on to third place in the men's podium race by 4 km after a 103 km day. Todd Andersen closes in on the podium after a 130 km day on the saddle. Patrick Stelte has the biggest day riding 141 km moving him up to sixth place on the leaderboard. Cynthia Roberts put in 96 km on the road today overtaking Valerie Litznerski for second place in the ladies' podium. Russ Stephens and Todd Andersen both reach the 1,610 km level today bringing the total to five riders entering 3RVS Wall of Fame. Jonathan DeWitt and Carolyn Trier reach 1,000 km today. Ramon Vasquez reaches 1,000 km, becoming the fifth member in the personal challenge to do so. Today was sunny with a high temperature of 90 degrees. Tomorrow it will be about ten degrees cooler with a chance of rain in the late afternoon, so get out early if you can. Day 23: Todd Andersen rides two huge back-to-back days to overtake Russ Stephens for third place on the men's podium. Todd's move to fourth place on the leaderboard is the only change in the top ten from yesterday. The ladies' podium remains unchanged with Wanda Reed leading with 1,788 km; Cynthia Roberts is second with1,437 km; followed by Valerie Litznerski with 1,316 km. Steve Pequignot and Aaron Hoover continue to hold down the top two places on the leaderboard, both riders are well over 2,000 kilometers for the month. Patrick Stelte closes in on a 1,000-mile month holding down sixth place on the leaderboard. Brent Lockwood, Verne LaRue, Joey Bauers, Joe Bartels, Steve McDonald, and Kevin Crews are all closing in on the 1,000 km award. Nancy Lichtensteiger reaches 500 km. David Hathaway and Kylie Eicholtz are knocking of the door of 500 km. In the personal challenge five riders have already reached their monthly goals. Mike Miller is less than ten kilometers from his 1,000 km goal as we enter the final week of the challenge. Marty Smolinski continues to lead all riders in the personal challengers with 1,439 kilometers. Day 24: Wanda Reed has a big day riding 116 km, extending her lead in the ladies' division. Verne LaRue and Brent Lockwood reach 1,000 kilometers award level. Tom Lill moves into tenth place on the leaderboard with 1,194 km; but Jonathan DeWitt is only 30 km behind him. Thirty-two of the 43 active riders in the competitive challenge have earned awards. Mike Miller becomes the sixth rider in the personal challenge to reach his challenge goal. Well done, Mike! Marty Smolinski and Clinton Allen are the top two distance riders in the personal challenge. The total distance of all participants ridden through 24 days is 57,435 kilometers. Six more days remain, let's keep it rolling! Day 25: The only change in the top ten today is Keith Pulfer riding 75 km and moving into sixth place. Those 75 km put Keith as the sixth rider to reach the top level of 1,610 km (1,000 miles), also enshrining him in the 3RVS Road of Fame. Great effort, Keith! Joe Batels reaches the 1,000 km award level today. Both the men's and ladies' podium positions remain unchanged from yesterday. Scott McCauley reaches the 750 km award level. In the personal challenge Tim Johnston, Denise and Jim Snyder, Helen Best, Rosy Saylor and Mike Miller are the six riders who have reached their personal goal. Nine other riders are within 20% of their challenge goal with only five days remaining. Day 26: Steve Pequignot is the first rider in the challenge to reach 3,000 kilometers. Aaron Hoover has a big day riding 92 km holding down second place on the leaderboard. Todd Andersen adds 75 km today keeping a hold on third place in the men's division and fourth place overall. In the ladies' division Wanda Reed is in first place with 1,987 km; Cynthia Roberts is second with 1,572 km; and Valerie Litznerski is third with 1,510 km. The top ten positions on the leaderboard remain unchanged from yesterday. Colton Ihrie moves up two spots to 11th place while Joe Bartels moves up one spot to 13th place. Susan Zuber moves up two spots to 18th place, just 3.5 km from 1,000. David Hathaway and Kylie Eicholtz reach 500 km today. With four days remaining in the personal challenge six riders have completed their goals: Tim Johnston, Denise and Jim Snyder, Helen Best, Rosy Saylor and Mike Miller. Marty Smolinski and Clinton Allen remain the top two distance riders in the personal challenge with 1,484 km and 1,384 km, respectively. Day 27: Wanda Reed is the first woman to reach 2,000 kilometers in this year's challenge! Patrick Stelte and Cynthia Roberts reach the 1,610 km (1,000 miles) for the month and are enshrined into the 3RVS Road of Fame! Susan Zuber reaches 1,000 km and moves into 17th place on the leaderboard. Michael Toole moves up two places on the leaderboard and reaches the 750 km award level. There are two changes in the leaderboard's top ten today: Patrick Stelte moves from 7th to 6th place and Cynthia Roberts moves from 8th to 7th place. In the personal challenge Dave Shaw passes his challenge goal of 750 km, and Bill Meyer exceeds his goal of 500 km, making them the 7th and 8th riders to attain their personal goals this month. Keep on riding everyone, there are only three days remaining in this year's challenge. Remember, since the challenge began August 31 to include all three days of Labor Day Weekend, the last day of the challenge is Sunday, September 29. Day 28: The top ten on the leaderboard changed today. Cynthia Roberts moves from 7th to 6th place while Keith Pulfer moves from 8th to 7th place. Kevin Crews reaches 1,000 km today, as Kyle Schwyn passes the 750 km award level. Marty Smolinski has 1,558 km followed by Clinton Allen with 1,445 km and continue to lead the way in the personal challenge. We apologize for this daily post being late; our website host provide has been down today. Day 29: Following the Jersey Ride and a spicy post ride party hosted by our Touring Director Elana Merritt and her parents we head into the final day of the challenge. With one day remaining the top ten riders on the leaderboard has only one change: Keith Pulfer has moved into 6th place. Both the ladies' and men's podium place remain the same with Wanda Reed leading the ladies; 2nd place is Cynthia Roberts; and Valerie Litznerski is holding down third place. The men's podium is led by Steve Pequignot; Aaron Hoover has a firm hold on second place; and Todd Andersen maintains third place. Valeie Litznerski reaches the top level in the challenge surpassing 1,610 kilometers and is enshrined into the 3RVS Road of Fame. Aneesh Balla reaches the 750 km award level, and Jeannine Mettler reaches the 500 km level. In the personal challenge Karen Lohmuller and Chris Carter reached their goals today, bringing to a total ten riders who have reached their challenge goals. Sunday is the final day of this year's challenge. Enjoy your final push! Day 30: Thirty-Five of the 43 riders in the competitive challenge reached an award level. Only having 43 riders in the competitive challenge this year we were far off the record of most kilometers ridden in a challenge which is 77,147 km. A mark set in 2023 with 101 riders. However, the 43 riders in this year's challenge did establish a new record for the greatest average of kilometers ridden per rider of 1,097 km. What a great effort by everyone! This year ten riders from the competitive challenge were enshrined into the 3RVS Road of Fame for riding 1,610 or more kilometers during the challenge. They are Steve Pequignot, Aaron Hoover, Wanda Reed, Todd Andersen, Russ Stephens, Keith Pulfer, Cynthia Roberts, Patrick Stelte, Valerie Litznerski and Tom Lill. Another ten riders reached the 1,000 kilometer level, including: Joe Bartels, Colton Ihrie, Jonathan DeWitt, Carolyn Trier, Michael Quinn, Verne LaRue, Susan Zuber, Steve McDonald, Brent Lockwood and Kevin Crews. The next ten riders all made it to the 750 km level. Congratulations to Joey Bauers, Scott McCauley, Nathan Woods, Steve Martinski, Michael Toole, Gus Menezes, Aneesh Balla, Kyle Schwyn, Rick Bokern and Matt Sprunger. Six riders reached the 500 km level including: Mike Neag, David Hathaway, Jeannine Mettler, Kylie Eicholtz, Nancy Lichtensteiger and Mark Witmer. In the ladies' division Wanda Reed led all ladies with 2,291 km; 2nd place is Cynthia Roberts with 1,843 km; and Valerie Litznerski finished in third place with 1,687 km. In the men's division, at the top of the leaderboard is Steve Pequignot with 3,430 km; second place is Aaron Hoover with 2,689 km; and Todd Andersen in third place with 2,258 km. This is the first year for the personal challenge. We hope the 31 riders who took part in the personal challenge enjoyed the work they put into the challenge by striving to achieve their goals. In all 14 riders reached the goal they set. They include: Bill Meyer, Chris Carter, Clinton Allen, Dave Shaw, Denise and Jim Snyder, Helen Best, Karen Lohmuller, Kounsavanh Nelson, Marty Smolinski, Mike Miller, Roey Saylor, Steve Edmiston and Tim Johnston. Of those riders Marty Smolinski and Clinton Allen are now enshrined into the 3RVS Road of Fame as they both exceeded 1,610 km (1,000 miles) during the challenge. As a matter of record the 31 riders in the personal challenge rode 20,823 km collectively. Adding those kilometers to the 47,194 from the 43 riders in the personal challenge, 74 riders in both challenges rode a respectful 68,017 kilometers, making this year's challenge the sixth highest kilometers ridden in our eleven year history. To the 74 riders who participated in the two challenges this year, we say THANK YOU for your dedication and eagerness to succeed. We hope you enjoy a rest day or two. Official 3RVS 2024 September Touring Challenge Leaderboard
Achievements of the 2023 3RVS September Touring Challenge
Day 1 - UCI Masters Division World Time Trialing Champion, Paul Mowery got off to the best start today with his power-packed 137 kilometer ride. Pamela Fennell is out front the Ladies' Division as she and Tim continue on their ride across America. Pam rode 107 kilometers today. Day 2 - Today is the first day of a triple century weekend. Over 20 club members rode 100 miles or more today. Joe Bartels recorded the most kilometers or anyone. The 2021 September Touring Challenge rode 226 kilometers, placing Joe at the top of the Leaderboard. Get your rest 3RVS riders, the club has another 161 kilometers ready for you tomorrow.
Day 3 - Many club members enjoyed the 161-kilometer tour to Defiance, Ohio which followed along both sides of the Auglaize River between Oakwood and Defiance. Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz holds onto the top spot on Ladies' Division Leaderboard with 348 kilometers; Elana Merritt made a big jumped to second place with 334 kilometers; and Pamela Fennell is third with 279 kilometers. The men's division took a big change today with all three podium places changing; Marty Smolinski rose to the top spot with 374 kilometers; Jonathan DeWitt holds down second place with 353 kilometers; and Mark Geiger is in third place with 332 kilometers. Drink plenty of pickle juice or chocolate milk, because tomorrow brings us another century tour.
Day 4 - Ten riders posted rides exceeding the century mark. The top three riders reached the first award level of 500 kilometers. Marty Smolinkski holds the top spot for the second straight day with 564 kilometers; second place is Jonathan Dewitt at 519 kilometers; and Joe Bartels not far behind with 517 kilometers in third place. In the Ladies' Division Pamela Fennell has regained the lead with 383 kilometers; Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz is in second place with 348 kilometers; and third place is held by Elana Merritt with 334 kilometers. Congratulations to all of the riders who participated in the three-day triple century weekend event.
Day 5 - As of today, 92 riders have joined the challenge. In five day those 92 riders posted a total of 17.453 kilometers. Distances tamed down today which is understandable after the long weekend tours. In the Ladies' Division Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz bounced back on top of the leaderboard with 424 kilometers; Pamela Fennell is second with 383 km; with Elana Merritt third at 334 km. The rotation for the top spot in the Men's Division continues with Mark Geiger going wild on the road today. Mark has 602 km; Marty Smolinski, who led the past two days dropped to second with 601 km; and Jonathan DeWitt is third with 560 kilometers. Mark Geiger and Joey Bauers reached the 500-kilometer award level today bringing the total to five riders at 500 or more kilometers in just five days.
Day 6 - Pam Fennell and Joe Bartels both had a good day, Pam continues on her trek across America riding enough kilometers to regain her lead in the Ladies' Division with 508 km, Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz dropped to second place and Elana Merritt remained in third place without riding today. Joe Bartels regained the top spot in the Men's Division. Joe now has 680 km, which slipped Mark Geiger to second place and Marty Smolinski to third place. Russ Stephens, Paul Mowery and Pam Fennell reached the 500 km award level. Eight riders have now reached the 500 km award level.
Day 7 - One week into the challenge, Joe Bartels along with Mark Geiger have both reached the 750 km award level. Joe holds on to the top spot for the second straight day with 842 km; Mark Geiger remains in second place with 758 km; and Jon DeWitt passes Marty for third place with 654 km. Pam Fennell retains the lead in the Ladies Division with 590 km; Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz holds on to second place with 499 km; Elana Merritt is third with 334 km. We now have 99 participants in the challenge who have totaled 21,911.7 km in the first week.
Day 8 - All podium places on the leaderboard remained the same. Joe Bartles continues to roll becoming the first rider to pass the 1,000 km level. Michael Toole, Valerie Litznerski-Eicholtz and Darren Williams reached the 500 km level. Pam Fennell has increased her lead in the Ladies' Division.
Day 9 - Sorry I missed today's update. Life got in the way, and I just did not have time. Not to worry, all of your mileage has been saved and will be included in tomorrow's update.
Day 10 - Many riders had big kilometers over the weekend. Mark Geiger made a big charge to catch Joe Bartels for the top spot as Joe rested his legs after riding 434 miles the first five days of the week. Mark becomes the second rider to reach the 1,000 km level. In the Ladies Division Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz regained the lead over Pamela Fennell. Valerie becomes the first lady to reach the 750 km level. In fact, she is over 900 km. Pamela Fennell is in second place, and Elana Merritt remains in third place. In third place on he Men's Leaderboard is Jonathan DeWitt with 979 km, less than 120 km behind Mark Geiger. Many riders have reached award level plateaus including Joe and Mark at 1,000; Jonathan, Valerie, Russ Stephens and Joey Bauers at 750 km; Michael Toole, Paul Mowery, Pamela Fennell, Darren Williams, Marty Smolinski, Tim Landrum, Ian Shelden, Steve Pequignot, Rick Bokern, Bill Crowley and Jody Thomas at 500 km level. Through ten days, 102 riders have recorded a total of 30,894 kilometers.
Day 12 - Joe Bartels takes a rest day while Mark Geiger strikes big miles. After six days chasing Joe, Mark Geiger makes it to the top spot on the leaderboard again riding 1,330 km through 12 days. Joe is second with 1,242 km and Jonathan DeWitt is third with 1,094. Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz remains on top of the Ladies' Leaderboard with 1,005 km, while Pam Fennell has made big strides the past few days to climb into second place with 922 km. Susan Zuber has reached a podium place at third with 443 km. Jonathan DeWitt and Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz have reached the 1,000 km level. Pam Fennell, Michael Toole, Darren Williams, and World Time Trial Champion, Paul Mowery have reached the 750 km level. Mike Miller, Kevin Crews last year's champion, Brent Lockwood, Rex Connelly, Dan Fineran and Zach Arnett have reached the 500 km level. Total distance for 105 riders is 34,918 kilometers.
Day 23 - We are finally back online. I am very sorry for missing the past 11 days. The leaderboard still has Joe Bartels on top, followed by Mark Geiger and Marty Smolinski. Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz remains at first place in the Ladies' Division, with Pamela Fennell second and Susan Zuber third. A total of sixty riders have now earned distance achievement medals. 110 riders have compiled a total of 61,859 kilometers.
Day 24 - There were some big numbers posted today. Joe Bartels extended his hold on first place with a lead of 567 kilometers over Mark Geiger in second place. Marty Smolinski remains in third place in the Men's Division. Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz also had a big day as she leads the Ladies' Division by 714 kilometers over Pamela Fennell. Susan Zuber holds down third place while passing the 1,000 kilometer level today. Seven riders have reached the top level of 1,000 miles; they include Joe Bartels, Mark Geiger, Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz, Marty Smolinski, Jonathan DeWitt, Darren Williams and Russ Stephens. Twelve riders have reached the 1,000 kilometer level; 13 have reached 750 kilometers; and 23 have reached 500 kilometers. A total of 98 riders have ridden 63,009 kilometers this month.
Day 25 - Joe and Valerie both took the day off to enjoy some recovery. There are still 7 riders at the top level of 1,000 miles. Tom Lill became the 13th rider to reach the 1,000 kilometer level. Fifteen riders are at the 750 kilometer level including Keith Pulfer, who rode over 100 miles today. Twenty riders are at the 500 kilometer level. Joe Bartels remains in the lead with 2,577 kilometers; Marty Smolinski moved in second place with 2,264 kilometers; and Mark Geiger is third, only 15 km back with 2,249 kilometers. Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz leads the Ladies' Division with 1,974 kilometers; Pamela Fennell is second with 1,303 kilometers; and Susan Zuber is third with 1,043 kilometers. To date 99 riders have ridden 64,948 kilometers.
Day 26 - The September Touring Challenge is heading into the final stretch. The Ladies' Division podium positions remain the same with Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz holding a comfortable 680 km lead over Pamela Fennell. Susan Zuber is 280 kilometers behind Pamela in third place. Joe Bartels lead in the Men's Division has shrunk to 107 km with both Mark Geiger and Marty Smolinski making big charges early this week. Only three riders moved up in distance levels. Steve Vorderman joins the 1,000 km club with 1,150 km. Dan Fineran and Brent Lockwood also joined the 1,000 km level today. The final four days may be high mileage for the three big guns in the Men's Division.
Day 27 - Halfway through the last week of the challenge and Mark Geiger re-takes the lead over Joe Bartels. The rain did not slow down Mark as he completed another wet century bringing his total kilometers to 2,802. With three days remaining Mark now leads Joe by 59 kilometers. Mark has made a huge effort the past three days when he trailed Joe by 567 kilometers. Marty Smolinski remains in third place with 2,574 km. Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz remains on top in the Ladies' Division with 2,061 km. Pamela Fennell is second with 1,324 km, and Susan Zuber is third with 1,091 km. It's going to take a huge effort for anyone else to grab a podium position as the top three riders in each division are well ahead of the remaining field. John Rodino and Dan Fineran reach the 1,000 km level today. Dave Shaw and Amber Toole reached the 750 km level, and Graham Wedeven reached the 500 km level. To date 101 riders have ridden 69,679 kilometers this month. With just three days remaining this year's challenge team of 101 rider are 5,219 kilometers away from the all-time highest September team distance 74,916.57 kilometers. That's only 17.3 kilometers a day for the next three days per team member. It's time to get organized and make a push during the remaining three days. Good luck everyone.
Day 28 - Mark Geiger rides another century plus to hold on to the top spot on the leaderboard with 2,974 km; however, Joe Bartels went right after Mark with his own century plus, pulling within 30 km from the lead at 2,944 km. Marty Smolinski holds down third place with 2,619 km. The Ladies Division remains the same with Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz in first place with 2,061 km. Pamela Fennell holds down second place with 1.324 km; and Susan Zuber is in third place with 1,142 km. Joey Baures and Michael Toole become the 8th and 9th riders to reach the top level of 1,000 miles (1,610 km) and have earned their spots on the 3RVS September Touring Challenge Road of Fame. Steve Pequignot, Mike Neag and Hugh Smith reached the 1,000 km level today, while Helen Best and Bruce Fisher reached the 750 km level. Total kilometers during the month for all 101 riders is now 71,483 with two days remaining in the challenge. Keep it rolling Team 3RVS!
Day 29 - With only one day remaining in the challenge it appears the Ladies' Division is settled as Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz holds more than a 750-kilometer lead ahead of Pamela Fennell. Susan is in third place over 900 kilometers behind Valerie. The Men's Division will go down to the final day. Today, Joe jumped into the lead with 3,317 kilometers. Mark has 3,110 kilometers in second place, and Marty Smolinski is in third place with 2,688 km. No one else is within 300 km of the podium. Today, UCI Masters World Time Trial Champion Paul Mowery, and last year's Septebmer Touring Challenge champion Kevin Crews, reached the top level of 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers). Rick Bokern reached the 1,000 kilometer-level; and Sean Martin reached the 750-kilometer level. Through 29 days 101 riders have logged 73,579 km, just 1,338 kilometers from the record of 74,916 km set by 99 riders in 2021.
Day 30 - The men put on an exciting show the last week of the challenge. Joe Bartels was able to hold off Mark Geiger's last day effort for the top podium spot. Joe will be crowned Champion for the second time. Joe rode a total of 3,417 km during September. Joe's first September Touring Challenge Championship was in 2021. Mark Geiger finished second with 3,233 km; and Marty Smolinski completed the podium positions with a third-place finish riding 2,827 km. In the Ladies' Division, Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz finished first with 2,312 km; Pamela Fennell was a strong second with 1,395 km; and Susan Zuber finished third place with 1,282 km. Congratulations to all of the podium place finishers. Today you have good reason to celebrate and rest your legs. On the last day of the challenge Steve Edmiston and Nancy Lichtensteiger reached the 1,000-kilometer award level. Jim and Denise Snyder finished the month riding over 750 kilometers, while Clinton Allen, Bill Meyer and Kyle Schwyn reached the 500-kilometer award level on the final day. A total of 60 members won medal awards. The top eleven riders reached the highest level of 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers) for the month and are now enshrined as the Class of 2023 Three Rivers Velo Sport September Touring Challenge Road of Fame Members. Those members include: Joe Bartels, Mark Geiger, Marty Smolinski, Darren Williams, Valerie Litznerski-Eichlotz, Jonathan DeWitt, Paul Mowery, Russ Stephens, Michael Toole, Joey Bauers and Kevin Crews. Additionally, this month all 101 members of the challenge set a new one-month team distance record for the most kilometers ridden during the challenge. The old record of 74,916 kilometers with a 99-member team in 2021 was surpassed on the final day of the challenge. This year's challenge team rode a total of 77,147 kilometers surpassing the record by 2,231 kilometers.
Achievements of the 2022 3RVS September Touring Challenge
September 1, opening day, on top of the leaderboard in the Ladies Division is Valerie Litznerski with 67 kilometers. The Men's Division leader is Clinton Allen with 103 kilometers. Forty-four riders put in 2,254 kilometers on Day 1.
Day 2, Kevin Crews spins on top of the leaderboard, with Valerie Litznerski leading the Ladies' Division. Some big distance is expected over the next three days as 3RVS hosts the Annual Labor Day Weekend Triple Century. Can you ride 300 miles in three days?
Day 3, the first of three Labor Day Weekend Century rides. Weather was warm and dry on the flat course. Eleven riders completed Century Day One: Patrick Stelte, Mike Miller, Henry Swinty, Rick Bokern, Russ Stephens, Marty Smolinski, Sean Martin, Dave Anderson, Elana Merritt, Joe Bartels and Krista Stockman. On top of the leaderboard are Kevin Crews at 366 kilometers in the Men's Division and Elana Merritt at 223 kilometers in the Ladies Division.
Day 4, the second day of the Triple Century Weekend saw some rain at the end of the ride. Five riders completed the 100-mile course to Wabash and back; Valerie Litznerski, Patrick Stelte, Todd Anderson, Joe Bartels, and Cody Benham. Kevin Crews and Elana Merritt remain at the top of the men's and ladies leaderboards.
Day 5, the final day of the Labor Day Weekend Triple Century. Seven riders completed 100 miles today; they are: Clinton Allen, Patrick Stelte, Marty Smolinski, Todd Anderson, Elana Merritt, Henry Swinty, and Joe Bartels. Update - The only two club members to ride 100 miles in all three Labor Day Weekend Century rides were Patrick Stelte and Joe Bartels. Patrick rode a total of 316.3 miles and Joe rode 323.6 miles over the past three days. Congratulations Patrick and Joe!
Day 6, nine riders reach the 500-kilometer award level: Kevin Crews, Clinton Allen, Patrick Stelte, Mike Miller, Henry Swinty, Marty Smolinski, Elana Merritt, Rick Bokern and Todd Anderson.
Day 7, Kevin Crews and Clinton Allen are the first two riders to reach the 750-kilometer award level. Twelve other riders are at the 500-kilometer level as the first week of the challenge wraps up.
Day 8, Mike Miller and Patrick Stelte reach the 750-kilometer award level. Kevin Crews at 977 km, and Elana Merritt at 580 km maintain their respective leads in the men's and ladies' divisions.
Day 9, Kevin Crews tops the leaderboard and is the first rider to reach the 1,000-kilometer award level. Men's and Ladies Podium positions remain the same: Men's Division: 1. Kevin Crews, 2. Clinton Allen, 3. Mike Miller. Ladies' Division: 1. Elana Merritt, 2. Valerie Litznerski, 3. Kelly Barnes. Five riders at the 750-award level, with nine riders at the 500-award level.
Day 10, Some big numbers today. Several members rode centuries. Henry Swinty climbs to third place chasing Kevin Crews and Clinton Allen. In the Ladies Division Valerie Litznerski has a big day and overtakes Elana Merritt for the top spot. Clinton Allen joins Keven Crews as the first two riders to achieve the 1,000-kilometer award level. Nine riders are at the 750-kilometer award level. Hugh Smith joins five others at the 500-kilometer level. Podium leaders in the Men's Division: Kevin Crews 1,289 km; Clinton Allen 1,120 km; Henry Swinty 944 km. Ladies Division leaders: Valerie Litznerski 820 km; Elana Merritt 732 km; Kelly Barnes 498 km.
Day 11, An all-day rain cancelled the club ride, but that did not stop some riders. Joe Bartels, Mike Miller, and Elana Merritt, got in a century. Four riders now over the 1,000-kilometer award level, including: Kevin Crews, Clinton Allen, Henry Swinty, and Mike Miller. Only 32 kilometers separate Valerie and Elana from the top of the Ladies Leaderboard.
Day 12, Another rainy day. If you did not ride in the morning or early afternoon you likely got wet. The Ladies Podium spots remain the same, and Mike Miller moves up to third place on the Men's Podium. Kevin Crews and Valerie Litznerski remain on top of the Men's and Ladies' Podiums.
Day 13, Three, cool, wet days in a row. Kevin Crews is the first rider to reach the top level of the challenge, with 1,645 kilometers. The next six riders are at the 1,000-kilometers award level. Places 8 through 14 are at the 750-kilometer award level. Places 15 through 20 have reached the 500-kilometer award level. The Men's podium places remain the same with Kevin Crews on top; Second place, Clinton Allen; Third place, Mike Miller. In the Ladies Division, Valerie Litznerski holds on to first place; Second place is Elana Merritt; and Kelly Barnes, third place.
Day 14, Finally, a dry day. Patrick Stelte and Russ Stephens join six other riders at the 1,000-kilometer award level. Ramon Vasquez joins five others at the 750-kilometer level. Five riders have reached the 500-kilometer mark. Kevin Crews remains the top rider in the challenge and the only one at the 1,610-kilometer award level. Valerie Litznerski continues to lead the Ladies' Division with 1,076 kilometers.
Day 15, The challenge at its mid-way point finds Kevin Crews, Clinton Allen and Mike Miller on the Men's Podium. Ladies' Division podium positions are Valerie Litznerski, Elana Merritt and Kelly Barnes. Twenty-two riders have qualified for distance awards.
Day 16, Kevin Crews holds onto first place by riding a century today. Second place Clinton Allen rides from Fort Wayne to Grand Haven, Michigan cranking out 180 miles, and becomes the second rider to reach the 1,610-kilometer award level.
Day 17, Kevin Crews has another big day to extend his lead in the challenge by more than 500 kilometers over Clinton Allen. Valerie Litznerski holds down first place in the Ladies's Division by 225 kilometers over Elana Merritt.
Day 18, No changes in any podium positions. Henry Swinty becomes the third rider to reach the top level of 1,610 kilometers. John Rodino and Kelly Barnes reach the 750-kilometer award level. Rex Connelly, Bill Crowley, Krista Stockman and James White reach the 500-kilometer award level.
Day 19, Kevin Crews extends his lead to over 600 kilometers. Mike Miller regains third place in the Men's Podium race. Mike Miller and Steve Pequignot reach the 1,610-kilometer award level. Michael Toole and Susan Zuber reach the 500-kilometer award level. The Ladies' Podium positions remain the same. 1. Valerie Litznerski; 2. Elana Merritt; and 3. Kelly Barnes.
Day 20, Henry Swinty climbs back into third place in the Men's podium race behind Kevin Crews and Clinton Allen. Valerie Litznerski becomes the first woman to reach the top award level of 1,610 kilometers and remains atop of the Ladies Podium ahead of Elana Merritt and Kelly Barnes. Ramon Vasquez reached 1,000 kilometers. Scott McCauley reaches 750 kilometers, and Bruce Fisher, Carolyn Marie, Don Cahill, and Steve Edmiston reach 500 kilometers. Thirty-six riders have qualified for distance medals.
Day 21, No changes in either podium spots. Rain washed out late morning and early afternoon rides. Seven riders reach the 750-kilometer award level: Tom Loucks, Steve McDonald, Tood Andersen, Denise and Jim Snyder, Scott McCauley, and Jason Yager.
Day 22, Kevin Crews continues to cruise in first place. He holds an 800 km lead over the field heading into the final eight days. Can he be caught? Steve Pequignot breaks into a podium spot. Hugh Smith reaches the 1,000-kilometer award level, and Keith Pulfer reaches the 500-kilometer award level. The ladies podium places remain the same: 1, Valerie; 2, Elana; and 3, Kelly.
Day 23, Henry Swinty climbs into second position in the Men's Podium. John Rodino becomes the tenth rider to reach the 1,000-kilometer award level. Graham Wedeven reaches the 500-kilometer level. The ladies podium places remain the same, with Valerie's lead shrinking to 140 kilometers heading into the final week of the challenge. Can Elana catch her?
Day 24, Kevin Crews holds a 600-kilometer lead in the Men's Division; and Valerie Litznerski is 300 kilometers ahead of Elana in the Ladies Division. Patrick Stelte and Russ Stephens have reached the top award level in the challenge. Kelly Barnes reaches the 1,000-kilometer level. Adrienne Maurer and Michael Tools make it to the 750-kilometer level. Tim Johnston, Dave Shaw, Mark Witmer and Helen Best ride to the 500-kilometer level.
Day 25, it's Sunday, which means that all challenge riders must have this week's rides posted on Strava no later than today to ensure proper credit for the week. The Strava ride week begins on Monday and ends Sunday. Rick Bokern and Elana Merritt reach the top level in the challenge. Sean Martin and Chris Carter reach the 500-kilometer level. All podium positions remain the same. Forty-four riders have qualified for distance awards.
Day 26, Steve Pequignot moves into second place in the Men's Podium race. Kevin Crews remains in first place with a 483-kilometer lead. Denise Snyder moves within 60 kilometers of a podium position in the Ladies Division. Bill Meyer becomes the 11th rider to reach the top distance level. Scott McCauley, Denise and Jim Snyder reach the 1,000-kilometer level. Rex Connely rides to the 750-kilometer level.
Day 27, Kevin Crews rides 273 kilometers today to maintain a firm hold on first place heading into the final three days of the challenge. Graham Wedeven and Carolyn Marie have reached the 750-kilometer award level. Jude Serrani reaches the 500-kilometer level. There are no changes in any of the podium positions today.
Day 28, No changes in podium positions. Kevin Crews and Valerie Litznerski hold down the top spots in their respective divisions. Steve McDonald reaches 1,000 kilometers. Bruce Fisher and Don Cahill reach 750 kilometers. Michael Toole is just 77 kilometers short of leveling up to 1,000 kilometers. Susan Zuber is also 77 kilometers away from the 750 level. Bernie Lohmuller is only 3 kilometers from reaching the award level. Do you have the legs to level up in the last two days?
Day 29, Michael Toole reaches 1,000 kilometers. Susan Zuber reaches 750 kilometers. K. Lohm, Kylie EIcholtz and Dave Anderson reach 500 kilometers. Kevin Crews holds a 416-kilometer lead in the Men's Division; and Valerie Litznerski has a 593-kilometer edge over Elana Merritt for the top spot in the Ladies' Podium race with one day remaining in the challenge.
Day 30, Thank you to the 89 club members who participated in this year's September Touring Challenge. After 30 days of riding Kevin Crews is this year's Champion. Kevin rode 3,384 kilometers. Second place in the Men's Division and returning from an injury which kept him out of last year's challenge is Steve Pequignot, who rode 3,035 kilometers. Finishing Third is Henry Swinty with 2,628 kilometers. The first-place finisher in the Ladies Division is Valerie Litznerski, riding 2,205 kilometers. Coming in second place in the Ladies Division is Elana Merritt, a first-year club member who rode 1,612 kilometers, followed by third place Kelly Barnes, who is our Tuesday night Kreager Ride Leader. Kelly rode 1,232 kilometers. On the last day of the challenge Marty Smolinski reached the top level of 1,610 kilometers. Tom Loucks reached the 1,000-kilometer level. Sean Martin who just returned from the UCI World Time Trial Championship in Italy, reached the 750-kilometer award level, along with Steve Edmistin, 3RVS racer Cody Benham, and James White. Reaching the 500-kilometer mark on the last day were K. Lohm; our youngest rider in the challenge at age 13, Kylie Eicholtz. Dave Anderson and Jason Eicholtz also reached 500 kilometers. Jason almost caught up with his racing daughter, Kylie. In total, there were 12 riders who exceeded 1,610 kilometers for the month who will be placed on the 3RVS Road of Fame. Another 12 riders exceeded 1,000 kilometers during September. Twelve more riders exceeded 750 kilometers, and 13 riders reached 500 kilometers. In all 49 riders rode enough kilometers to earn awards. The 89 riders rode a total of 64,338 kilometers in 30 days, which is 10,578 fewer than the 99 riders in last year's challenge rode in a record-setting year. All September Touring Challenge Awards will be presented during the club's End of Season Party later this year.
Achievements during the 2021 September Touring Challenge:
September 1, 2021, Sean Martin tops Steve Pequignot's
one day distance record of 178 miles with an opening day ride of 184
miles.
September 5, 2021, Joe Bartels sets a new distance record of 200.15 miles riding a bike in one day during the September Touring Challenge. Labor Day, September 6, 2021, Marvin Vastbinder, Joe Bartels, Marty Smolinski, Mark Geiger, Clinton Allen, Krista Stockman, Tom Loucks, and Kelly Barnes complete the 100 mile St. Joe Century. During the Labor Day St. Joe Century 58 riders complete a total of 4137 kilometers. Three riders completed the 304 mile Labor Day Weekend Triple Century. Congratulations to Mark Geiger, Marty Smolinski and Joe Bartels. These riders will receive a special recognition award at the club's end of season party.
September 11, 2021, Joe Bartels becomes the first
member to reach the top distance level of 1,610 kilometers (1,000
miles) in this year's challenge.
September 16, 2021, Denise Snyder becomes the first
woman to reach 1,000 kilometers in the 2021 September Touring
Challenge.
September 18, 2021, a perfect weather day for cycling and the
biggest day ever for the September Touring Challenge as records
fall. Collectively, Team 3RVS rode a total of 4,671 kilometers
(2,902 miles) in one day; and, Valerie Litznerski sets
a new one-day distance record in the September Touring Challenge of
509.8 kilometers (316.8 miles), which breaks the distance record for
the third time this year. This one will be hard to top.
September 25, 2021, Denise Snyder becomes the first
woman to reach the top distance level of 1,610 kilometers in the
2021 Challenge.
September 26, 2021, Valerie Litznerski joins Denise
Snyder as the first two women to reach the 1,610 kilometer (1,000
miles) level.
September 28, 2021, Maureen Randall and Henry
Swinty become the 10th and 11th members to reach the top
award level of 1,610 kilometers.
September 29, 2021, Tim Johnston is the 12th member to
reach the top level of 1,610 kilometers.
September 30, 2021, Hugh Smith joins the top tier of
members who reached the 1,610 kilometer award level for this year's
challenge.
Below are the official
results of each 3RVS September Touring Challenge from 2014 through 2021.Official 3RVS 2021 September Touring Challenge Final Results
Official 2020 September Touring Challenge Final Results
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