Jim McConnell, ORC Head Coach, lost his brother, Roy, and 3 nephews this past week – killed by a drunk driver. Jim led a Tribute Ride in their memory today from University Carillon United Methodist Church, 1395 Campus View Court, Oviedo, Florida 32765. This ride was 1/2 a route he and his… brother, a triathlete, rode often. It was approximately 30 miles total with a 15 or 20 minute water break at Fort Christmas, the half way point.

Roy’s death sent shock waves through the Central Florida cycling and tri-athlete communities. Many came to honor his memory and provide support for the active McConnell family.

“Not only as a cyclist, but as a human being, he was exceptional.” “He was a special man and this was a tragic loss for all of us.”

In addition to honoring Jim’s brother by just riding, this was a charitable event to help all of the families affected by this tragic event.

Contributions to the McConnell Family Fund can be made at any Bank of America branch or through Rich Benton, ORC President. Donations will offset expenses incurred by the widows of the men and pay for some day-to-day expenses of the two children they left behind. A portion will be donated to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a family spokesman said.

A celebration of life service will be held for the McConnells at 2 p.m. Monday at University Carillon United Methodist Church, 1395 Campus View Court, Oviedo, 32765. For information, call the church at (407) 359-2112.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/os-mcconnell-family-fund-20100804,0,7986314.story

Memorial bike ride for slain family

Friends, Teammates Remember McConnells At YMCA

Oviedo ride honors crash victims

Racing For Roy – Updated 8/4!

Brother of Roy McConnell plans memorial ride for Saturday

McConnell Family Tribute Ride, Service, Trust Fund

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/08/03/florida.dui.widows/?hpt=Sbin

Photos:
PHOTOS: Memorial bike ride in Oviedo for Orlando triathlete Roy McConnell Jr.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-pg-mcconnell-memorial-bike-ride,0,5166245.photogallery

ORC Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/#!/orlandoroadclub

Roy’s brother, Jim McConnell, sent this news of a memorial ride this Saturday, August 7:

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Some of you knew my brother and have had the opportunity to ride with him. He was a tri-athlete, he qualified for nationals and this year completed an Iron Man; yes, I said “Iron Man.” He has also run many half and full marathons. Funny, I always told him triathlons were for people with ADHD that could not focus on one sport long enough, and I thought runners were just people who could not afford a bike.

My brother was set in his faith; he spoke and represented the word of God every day. He started the Orlando huddle for Fellowship of Christian Athletics endurance (FCA). My brother also played drums in the church band.

He was a faithful husband, a great father, an awesome brother and friend. I am thankful that I started riding and racing bikes, the two of us trained and rode often together and competed in triathlons.

I will be doing a ride in his memory this Saturday August 7, 2010, at 8:00 a.m. from University Carillon United Methodist Church, 1395 Campus View Court Oviedo, Florida 32765. This is nothing official, no sags or anything. There is water at Fort Christmas and rest rooms, that’s about it. We will take a 15 or 20 minute break there, and then head back.

This ride we often did from his house or my house and it’s the only way I know to honor him. Any and all of you are welcome to ride beside me in his honor; if need be, we will break into a few groups. It’s about a 35-mile ride, so if you have never been on a bike this would not be the time. However, you are welcome to meet us at the start, and then meet us at Ft. Christmas – it should take 45 minutes to an hour to get there; you are also welcome to meet at the end.

Thanks to all of you who have called, texted and emailed and supported the McConnell family.

Jim McConnell

In total , six countries represented in this Junior Nation’s Cup event: the USA, the host nation of Canada, as well as New Zealand, Japan, Thailand and Belize with riders chasing the brown jersey. Canada was well represented in the 156 riders peloton with a total of 8 teams, including provincal selections from Ontario, Quebec and Alberta. The junior cyclists have to contend with seven stages in 6 days, for a total of 585 kilometers.

About

http://www.tourabitibi.qc.ca/histoire_en.php

Photos:

http://www.tourabitibi.qc.ca/photos_en.php

From Lucas’s Facebook page:
Recap on this whole 5 day race. i would say it was a success!!! Stage 1- abandoned, stage 2- 1st, stage 3-13th, stage 4- 3rd, stage 5- 3rd, stage 6- 4th. i ended up 3rd overall with 97 points, 2nd place had 98, and the winner had 110. it was a good race

More Info:

http://www.gcvb.org/bikefest/

http://www.topviewsports.com/Sites/GeorgiaCycling/Gwinnett.asp

Congrats to Neal Shepherd for qualifying for the bronze medal race in 3K pursuit in the 17-18 Men’s Junior Track Nationals!

Top 3 podium: Cat 5 2nd Steven Perezluha; Jr 10-12 3rd Robert Zehr!

Top 10: Cat 4 5th Jason Twigg; M35+ 9th Luis A Torres

Results of Space Coast Cycling Festival Road Race ORC racers Cat 3 29th Ryan Burns; Cat 4 5th Jason Twigg; M35+ 9th Luis A Torres