Spring Valley EDA

Tools for Economic Growth in Spring Valley, Minnesota.

Chris Hahn

SV100 Race Report – Final Report!

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Greetings all, the SV100 Gravel Bike Race is upon us!

The weather-guessers are predicting a hot one so the Tri-Chairs have decided to toe the line slightly when emphasizing the golden rule of self-supported.  We can’t help it, but when you, us and our city residents expressed concerns over the forecast for Saturday, we’ve redirected some of our volunteers to setting up some reasonable-person principled water-stations, just in case you miscalculated the self-supported rationing you planned for the day.

 

What does this mean:

  • Mile 21 – Chatfield Range: There will be a canopy with miracle coolers of water by the grain bins.
  • Mile 40 – Preston/Greenleafton Bridge: For those who have raced the route before, know that when you ride the gauntlet before the Preston/Greenleafton Bridge at mile 40, that the onlookers are friendlies and often bear nutritious gifts they have been known to share.
  • Mile 67 – Forestville: Some Spring Valley Businesses are planning a complimentary, heavier snack and hydration station, perhaps some pickles, water, sports drinks, sweet and salty snacks and a bit of meat protein may be found here.
  • Mile 84 – Wykoff: We’re working on getting a stocked cooler, clearly marked with SV100, just after crossing the highway, just before.

 

Important Finish Line Information:

It means that the finish line timing table will be unmanned for some of the later afternoon time slots due to the redirecting of limited number of volunteers above…but we can, and have overcome this challenge successfully in the past; when you hit the finish line, if there is no one at the table, take note of the time on the official clock and write it on the race roster on the table, or better yet, grab a refreshment from under the table and take times for a few minutes while cheering on fellow finishers…drop the mic, issue resolved, thank you for your teamwork.

You are responsible for you, so please don’t change your self-supported plan based on the above, but know that the tri-chairs and community have you on their minds. Please keep a watchful eye on one another, and have a great time.  We are looking forward to your arrival and participation in the SV100. Safe travels, Tri-Chairs.

Rollout remains at 8:00 AM, and we look forward to seeing you all!

SV100 Race Report – Music-in-the-Park Afterglow Event

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While your calendars are marked for the Spring Valley 100 on June 5th, and the celebrated “grandaddy” of all gravel race courses, please add a mark in your activity calendar for after the race. All are invited and encouraged to pull up your zero gravity chairs and relax in Spring Creek Park, just 4 blocks from the race finish, and listen to live music (free), refuel from onsite food vendors($), and watch an outdoor classic “Sandlot” (free).  Lupulin Brewing Company out of Big Lake, MN will be pouring brews($) in the park too (sponsored by the SV VFW), with all proceeds benefitting Never Surrender, Inc – Black Woods Blizzard Tour, the worlds largest snowmobile fundraising event to help defeat ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. Please consider joining fellow riders at the Music-in-the-Park afterglow event. We are looking forward to meeting you at the registration, start, finish… or by the beer tent. Cheers!

SV100 Race Report – Kick the dust up!

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On our most recent 75-mile (windy and uphill, both ways of course) training ride on the SV100 route, it was obvious that townships throughout the area have been busy spreading miles and miles of “fluffy” off-white gravel for all to enjoy. Equipment suggestion: Check your tires n tubes, and check ‘em twice, as Hero Gravel will be the exception this year. The abundance of gravel reminded me of the first rider tip exclaimed to me by a fellow rider during my first gravel race, the 2015 edition on the historic route. His tip came as We were navigating a tight left-hand turn at the bottom of a downhill where I found myself being sucked into a windrow of gravel that tossed me to the shoulder and brought me to an abrupt stop seconds after racing elbow-to-elbow with a large group of fellow riders: “steer where you are and not where you’re going!”; advice I will never forget. If you are planning to join us and you haven’t registered yet, please take some time to do so in advance, it’ll help with bib distro by our volunteers the night before and morning of the event. Did I just say bib numbers at a free race? But of course, who wouldn’t like some wall art to add to their collection as a reminder of one of the most epic 100-mile gravel races on two wheels. We are looking forward to your arrival. Safe travels.

Kiwanis Student Spotlight: Treyton Pokorney

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Name: Treyton Pokorney

Parents: Nicole and Patrick

School Activities: National Honor Society (11th-12th), cross country (8th-12th, Captain 12th grade), Drama Club (7-12) and Drama Club President (11th-12th), Knowledge Bowl (7-12), senior class president, and one-act play and spring shows (7-12).

Activities/Work Outside of School: 4-H camp counselor at Whitewater State Park (9-12), server at Hot Chip Burger Bar in Rochester, server at Four Daughters Winery in Spring Valley, and a youth program instructor with the Youth Enrichment League.

Your Favorite Class and Why? My favorite class was my the College in the Schools (CIS) political science class. I enjoyed studying modern issues, and how to solve these problems. Mr. Thauwald helped me to think critically about the world and how to have a healthy argument. Another one of my favorite classes was my CIS Spanish class. I have always enjoyed learning languages, and the ability to formally learn it helped further my passion for other cultures and languages. I am looking forward to going to Spain (covid permitting) where I can apply what I learned in the classroom in real life.

Why is a Solid Education Important? I have a big worldview. I know that there is so much more to the world than this little town. Education has always been a way for me to learn about this world, and how others perceive their own worldview. A solid education allows you to open doors and opportunities that might not have been there before. I am always trying to learn more about other people, ideas, views, and cultures. A solid education extends beyond a high school or college, it allows you to be a leader in this world.

Immediate Plans After High School Graduation: I am attending the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. I am majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing and a minor in Spanish. I recently got accepted into the Lundquist College of Business early (normally you would have to apply after your sophomore year) due to my academic rigor. I always knew that I wanted to use college as an opportunity to explore the world beyond Minnesota and the Midwest. I am also earning my associate of arts degree before graduating high school in order to get a head start in college.

Long-term Plans/Goals: I want to work in marketing because I want to create effective campaigns for brands and companies. I have a passion for making content, and marketing is a perfect way to merge my creative and statistical sides.

Note: The Spring Valley Kiwanis Club annually recognizes the top academic performers at Kingsland High School. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the plans to honor the students in person are still unknown. Typically, they attend a meeting of Kiwanis with their parents for recognition.

Kiwanis Student Spotlight: Merredith Farlinger

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Name: Merredith Farlinger

Parents: Darcy and Ranee Farlinger

School Activities: Cross Country, Basketball, and National Honor Society.

Activities/Work Outside of School: Youth group, youth band, Just for Kix, and Sunday school helper.

Your Favorite Class and Why? I like being a teaching assistant for Mrs. Noble because I enjoy working with the kids.

Why is a Solid Education Important? A solid education is important because it is creating a foundation for my future.

Immediate Plans After High School Graduation: I’m going to attend college at University Wisconsin – Eau Claire. I am either going to college for social work or elementary education.

Long-term Plans/Goals: After completing my four-year degree, finding a job in my chosen field.

Note: The Spring Valley Kiwanis Club annually recognizes the top academic performers at Kingsland High School. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the plans to honor the students in person are still unknown. Typically, they attend a meeting of Kiwanis with their parents for recognition.