Winners Announced for MRC Ride (July 22, 2003)

(Marinette, Wis.) - Theisen Tool & Machine Precision Pedalers and Bellin Health / Competition Cycling Team pedaled to the highest standings amidst the droves of bicyclists at the 22nd annual Menominee River Century ride on June 29.

Theisen out-rode seven other teams to clinch first place in the most mileage category with a combined total of 3,000 km (1,875 mi), while Bellin nabbed first place in the largest average miles category at 105 km per rider (66 mi). Team standings are as follows:

• BAMC Health on Wheels - 1,510 km total, 44 km avg.
• Bellin Health / Competition Cycling Team - 2,720 km total, 105 avg.
• Kimberly Clark - 950 km total, 50 km avg.
• LE Jones - 645 km total, 46 km avg.
• MeadWestvaco Milers - 980 km total, 89 km avg.
• Theisen Tool & Machine Precision Pedalers - 3,000 km total, 97 km avg.
• UW-Marinette - 735 km total, 61 km avg.
• Wells Fargo - 170 km total, 21 km avg.

Over 1,500 bicyclists originating from Arizona to Canada trekked a 15, 40, 80 or 120 km route through Marinette/Menominee counties in this year's ride.

"Your ride this year was the best run ride I have ever done," said Peter Lewis, a Door County Century founder and leader of SAAGBRAW - Wisconsin's longest running cross-state bicycle tour. "The road markings were PERFECT in every way, the food stops were excellent, the route was nice...the people were so gracious."

"We were very pleased with the turnout. It was BAMC's first year at organizing this and we couldn't have asked for better," said John Hofer, chairman of the ride and director of marketing at Bay Area Medical Center.

Management of the ride was passed to BAMC from the Spokes and Folks club - a dedicated group of bicyclists who worked over two decades to build the MRC to its current state.