Cyclocross Race Raises $4K for Medfield Rail Trail Construction

The following provided by Greg Bonnette. Image #1 Racer and Medfield resident Michael Ashton (left) Photo:Jon Nable, Image #2 The beginner men’s podium in front of the Lee Chapel. Photo:Greg Bonnette, Image #3 Medfield residents Paul Johnson (third from right) and Kevin Barton (second from right) line up for the race. Photo:Jon Nable.

Cyclocross Race Raises $4K for Medfield Rail Trail Construction

On Saturday December 8th the Town of Medfield hosted its first-ever cyclocross race at Medfield State Hospital (MSH) and the race organizers are pleased to report that it was a resounding success. The event saw nearly 700 pre-registrations which translated to 550 starts (with some overlap between racers who participated in multiple categories) and it is estimated that at any given point throughout the day there were several hundred racers and spectators on the grounds. This made the event the largest in its 11-year history, and much of that success has been attributed to the new venue and the partnership of the Town of Medfield.

The organizers were excited to encounter so many members of the local community that came out to both participate and spectate, even on such a chilly day. The feedback solicited from local residents, dog walkers and participants has been overwhelmingly positive, and everyone’s patience and cooperation were greatly appreciated. Police Chief Wilhelmi also added that his detail officers at MSH for the event reported no issues.

Very fortunately, the conditions for the day included cold clear skies and frozen ground following this abnormally wet fall season. This vastly diminished the potential for turf impact from racing. There was a short section of the course along the front lawn which saw full sun and became slightly muddy later in the day, but John Thompson, Chair of the MSH Buildings and Grounds Committee, was on-site spectating and commented that this area should recover very quickly with a little raking and re-seeding in the spring. The event team will continue to coordinate with Mr. Thompson to ensure that prior commitments to restoration are upheld when planting season arrives. Mr. Thompson also shared that he felt the event itself was an excellent use of the property and was something that former patients of MSH would have likely enjoyed.

During pre-registration, race director and event owner Colin Reuter observed an above-average volume of early sign-ups and felt comfortable in estimating that there would be modest profit. Given that this is not the intent of the production, Colin suggested that any proceeds be donated to a local charity. After some discussion, the team selected the Medfield Foundation (MFi), and more specifically, the new initiative to fund construction of Medfield’s multi-use recreational rail trail. On Friday December 21st, the organizers shared that a total of $3,860 had been donated to the MFi in support of this cause.

Looking forward to repeating this year’s success, the organizers have already begun discussions with the town to secure the venue in December 2019 (pending the MSH redevelopment timeline) and hope to raise even more money for local charities in the process.

The race organizers would like to issue special thanks to Town Administrator Kristine Trierweiler, John Thompson and the MSH Building and Grounds Committee, the Medfield Board of Selectmen, Fire Chief William Carrico, Police Chief John Wilhelmi, DPW Highway Supervisor Bobby Kennedy, JRA Cycles of Medford and Zelus Beer Company of Medfield for their sponsorship, and the Medfield “MPO Spartans” Cycling Club for their advocacy and volunteerism without which this event could not have been possible.

Also view Selectman Gus Murby’s Feedback on the event from the December 11, 2018 BoS Meeting on YouTube.