Midge Cramer Ride

The big MCR event is the Coasting Contest down the “O’Shea Hill” on Bellfountain Road. One of Midge’s colleagues and good friends was Pat O’Shea who lived near this hill. Midge would be very proud of this tradition, as he challenged his students on this same hill. The start of the coast is a short distance north of Airport Road on Bellfountain (see details at coasting.mvbc.com). A plaid shirt and sign or other suitable artifact, is used to mark the start. Riders must begin coasting from a ‘dead’ stop and not pedal – at all. When the bike is about to tip over, the rider puts a foot down and checks to see if he/she has passed the appropriate category sign (see the full category & event records listings at coasting.mvbc.com). If so, the sign is moved to that spot, and the rider puts his/her name on the sign.

Midge loved to treat the staff at OSU with Peanut M & Ms, having fun as they tried to guess the color of the M & M in order to earn a bonus treat. Midge always had Fig Newtons when he rode, so we provide these somewhere along the route.

To add to the event, riders are encouraged to wear or display something that is plaid. Midge wore the same plaid shirt on all tours and many day rides. It was in shreds when he passed away. Riders may also wear Argyle - usually socks - as Midge wore a pair that his mother knitted for him. Midge’s sons, Kent, Ted & Rich, along with some of their family and friends, often join the event. Like their father, they love to have fun and are very competitive on the coasting contest. (They have their own category.)