VERO BEACH — There’s a tight solidarity among cyclists, who watch each other’s backs as they peddle in packs along the roadways. That same comradeship is evident in the brotherhood of firefighters who watch each other’s backs every day in a quite different sense.
In both cases the affinity often continues – off the road and off the job – as evidenced Saturday, when firefighters and cyclists united for Tour de Vero 2012, honoring the late Brian Nolan, a fellow firefighter and avid cyclist.
Nolan retired after 27 years of service with the Indian River Shores Public Safety Department, and at the time of his sudden death in August 2010 at age 55, was the assistant fire chief for Indian River County.
The first Tour de Vero in 2007 raised funds for Dollars for Scholars, and was then put on hold a few years. After Nolan’s untimely demise due to coronary arterial disease, his long-time cyclist friends John O’Connor, a driver/engineer/medic with IRC Fire Rescue, and Dr. Jim Shafer, a neurologist with Vero Orthopedics/Vero Neurology, determined to begin it again.
Their ultimate goal now is to educate the public about the disease while also raising funds to benefit the Indian River Firefighters Benevolent Association, which supports innumerable local nonprofit organizations. Last year’s event raised approximately $6,000, and with approximately 175 riders this year, they hoped to bring in even more.
“I am so thrilled that the weather held out this time,” said O’Connor, referencing the torrential downpours which put a damper on last year’s event. “Brian was a close friend of mine. We wanted to do something in his honor and provide awareness of coronary arterial disease. We also wanted to promote health and wellness in the community.”
Tour de Vero cyclists left from Carrabba’s Italian Grill bright and early in the morning at the start of the non-competitive ride, choosing according to their skill levels from 41.2, 60.8 & 88.6 mile routes. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts assisted along the way, manning the various SAG support stations where they gave out snacks and water.
“This is a fun ride; there’s no speed limit,” said O’Connor. “The guy who comes in first and the guy who comes in last get the same prize – a meal from Carrabba’s.”
In a new twist this year, O’Connor invited 1984 Olympic silver medalist Nelson Vails to ride in the event and rub elbows with the participants. Nicknamed “The Cheetah,” Vails broke the color barrier as the first African-American to win an Olympic cycling medal, and in 2009 was inducted into the U.S. Bicycle Hall of Fame.
He might be better known to movie-goers for his starring role as a New York City bicycle messenger, a job he held in real life as well, in the movie “Quicksilver” alongside Kevin Bacon & Lawrence Fishburne.
“John reached out to me on Facebook. This was a great opportunity and good timing on the calendar for me to come out from San Diego for the event,” said Vails, whose meteoric rise from messenger to medalist is highlighted in the YouTube video Against All Odds.
“I do a lot of fundraiser rides; I try to work any way I can to promote fitness. The sport of cycling is a great outdoor event and families of all types can come out and be involved.”
Invigorated riders began gliding in at their own pace, including new cyclist Rick Chuma who admitted with a smile, “I did my own route; the Rick Chuma custom route. I ended up doing 30 miles. I had the pleasure ride.”
Kimberlee Armstrong, an accomplished triathlete, rode the 41.2 mile ride route and said, “This was for the cause and for fun.”
Two of the self-proclaimed “Tri-Diva” triathletes – Jennifer Jones and Stacy Zedek, also rode the 41.2 mile route and were lucky enough to be joined on their ride by Vails.
“I went through four or five tire tubes, but we made it through,” said Zedek. “Nelson even changed one of my tires.”
“He chose to ride with us; we were very lucky,” added Jones. “He gave us tips and everything.”
Cynthia Falardeau, the third “Tri-Diva,” and son Wyatt held signs along the route, cheering on all the riders, including her husband Jim who was riding the 88.6 mile route. “He’s hard core; he couldn’t wait to race.”