By John Cannon
Each year, a bunch of cyclists pedal away on back roads near U.S. 15, participating in the Catoctin Challenge.
Chances are, some passing motorist has cracked, "Who do they think they are, Greg LeMond?"
Well, one of this year’s participants can answer "Yes."
LeMond will be riding in the 15th Annual Catoctin Challenge Bicycle Ride this summer, said Phil Heffler, founder and chair of the event.
"That’s the biggest thing to happen to Maryland cycling," he said. "It’s like Jack Nicklaus showing up at your golf tournament."
The two-day Catoctin Challenge begins July 31 at Frederick Community College, taking cyclists north through Gettysburg and back toward Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.
LeMond’s presence will give a major boost to the event, which is run by Catoctin Charities to provide riders with a scenic and enjoyable ride while raising money for charity. Former NHL player Theoren Fleury will also participate.
"Our first year, We raised $550, and I was all happy, thinking, ‘Wow, we did really good.’" Heffler said. "If you would’ve told me in 1996, after the first year, that we’d be hoping for $170,000 this year, with LeMond and Fleury riding, there’s no way I would’ve believed it."
How did LeMond, a legend who won Tour de France titles in 1986, 1989 and 1990, end up riding in the Catoctin Challenge?
Heffler said Greg Light, a local rider he knows, was riding with LeMond last summer and asked if the renowned cyclist would participate in the Catoctin Challenge, which raises money for the Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County.
Light asked Heffler if LeMond participated in the Challenge, could there be a partnership between Habitat for Humanity of Frederick and 1in6, a charity whose mission is to help men who had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives?
The answer was yes.
LeMond is a board member of 1in6, according to the 1in6.org website. In a message on that website, LeMond writes, "I know first-hand how the pain and shame of having been abused as a child can affect one’s life. And while I have enjoyed tremendous success both professionally and personally, it did not come without hard work and much support."
Heffler said the proceeds will be split between Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County and 1in6.
As talks progressed, LeMond’s presence at the Catoctin Challenge seemed likely. Heffler found out for sure right after he completed an 80-mile bike ride in 94-degree heat last summer. While checking into a Pittsburgh hotel after the long ride, he took a phone call telling him LeMond would be at the Catoctin Challenge.
"I was on cloud nine the whole night," Heffler said.
LeMond has a history in Frederick County. His last major win came in the 1992 Tour DuPont, which ran through Thurmont . In the Catoctin Challenge, he will be riding on some of the same roads he raced on in 1992.
While the Catoctin Challenge has never had a rider of LeMond’s prestige, the event’s reputation has grown. Riders keep coming back.
After riding in a charity in another area where the course was flat and the scenery less-than-breathtaking, Heffler figured a similar event in Frederick County — with its vistas — would hold more appeal.
"We had an emphasis of making it an incredible experience for the rider," Heffler said. "We hold it to a 180 riders so the cyclist doesn’t wait in lines for food and showers or any of that stuff. What we didn’t realize was that the cyclists would appreciate this so much that now we’re raising huge money from it."
Each rider gets pledges. Over the past two years, Heffer said he’s gotten checks from 48 states.
Entry fees and other activities help pay for the event.
"So whatever we raise, about 95 percent of the money we raise goes to the charities," Heffler said.
The Catoctin Challenge offers courses of 50 (which starts in Thurmont ), 65 and 100 miles Saturday, with returns of between 25 and 45 miles Sunday. After going through Gettysburg Battlefields, cyclists turn west to the camp site at The Lodge at Blue Ridge Summit, Pa. They’ll get a meal donated by Outback Steakhouse and will be entertained by musical acts, including the Blues Brothers.
Rest stops are located about every 14 miles. This event is called a "Challenge," and it includes a six-mile climb from Fairfield to the top of Blue Ridge Summit.
"So, there are a few people that are putting adjectives in front of the name Phil when they’re climbing that hill," Heffler said with a laugh.
He said riders usually bond as they approach the climb, realizing they’re all in the same boat. And with LeMond in the pack, they’ll be bonding with one of the sport’s greats.
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