By Andra Bryan Stefanoni

news@joplinglobe.com

PITTSBURG, Kan. — By 8:30 a.m. Thursday, cyclists started arriving at a local bike shop, Tailwind Cyclists, to begin preparations for a tradition that to many might seem grueling, perhaps even foolhardy, on the first day of January.

To the riders who gathered, though, being part of the annual New Year’s Day Century Ride meant two things: openly declaring their dedication to outdoor fitness, and setting and meeting a goal that’s both physical and mental.

In the eight years since Tailwind owner Roger Lomshek began the ride, temperatures have varied wildly, from a low of 13 degrees to a high near 65.

Last year, a group of a dozen riders bound for Fort Scott pushed off at 9 a.m. with the temperature near 20 degrees and the wind blowing steadily out of the northwest at more than 15 mph.

This year, a group of six bound for Joplin, Mo., pushed off at 9:30 a.m. under a blue, sunny sky, with the temperature just over freezing at 34 degrees. A brisk wind out of the south proved challenging, but the riders intentionally headed into it so the wind would be at their backs on the return.

Participants had the option of dropping out at any time and completing a shorter loop, which Jonathan Davis, of Pittsburg, did in order to meet family obligations.

But those with even the slightest forethought that they might not do well on the ride opted out before starting. Avid cyclist Hermann Nonnenmacher, of Pittsburg, who has joined the annual ride in the past, showed up at the shop to extend good wishes to the group, but he was not suited up because he had ridden 65 miles on Wednesday.

“I knew I lacked the mental and physical commitment today,” he said.

Lomshek said attitude is one of the key ingredients vital to success on a wintertime ride.

“This ride is a chance for anyone willing, and foolish enough, to show their determination for maintaining physical fitness no matter the weather,” Lomshek said. “The ride gives these hardy few a chance to spit in the eye of nature and shake their fist in the face of Father Time.”

The motivation

“I’m doing it because this is a personal challenge for me,” said Tyson Patrick, a recent graduate of Pittsburg State University who has come close, but has never hit the 100-mile mark.

Tom Bagby, a former Pittsburg resident and Tailwind employee, traveled from his home in Colorado to participate in the ride. He completed the ride last year and was looking forward to the camaraderie of the ride again this year.