The 11^th Andiamo run of the W&OD bike path saw great weather and a 100 per cent finishing rate. Seventeen runners started the event and all seventeen finished. Mike Wedemeyer started slowly, but picked it up over the last nine miles to win going away. The woman's winner was Carolyn Gernand who probably has more Andiamo finishes than anyone.

The bike path was unusually busy even in the early morning hours at Clark's Gap. The path is a wonderful resourse for recreation all across northern Virginia. Many used the trail on this day, few used the whole thing.

The Andiamo has a small, but loyal following. Most of the runners had done the event before. Paul Ammann, Paul Dwyer, Jim Cavanaugh, and Joe Malinowski, along with Carolyn, were regulars who each have at least three Andiamo finishes.

Each year, we promise only two aid stations, but each year, others crop up. Race management tries to keep this a big secret to ensure that the field does not get too big. This year, extra aid was provided by Vicki Kendall, Michele Harmon, Helen Hipps, and Paul Ammann's family. Additionally, Joe Malinowski and Paul Dwyer brought their sainted wives who gave them valuable support. Most runners never had to stop at a convenience story.

Vicki was particularly instrumental in the success of the event. She helped drive people to the start, worked several aid stations, and was at the finish line until the last runner arrived. The only problem with Vickie was that she showed everyone her bruise. It's real ugly!

The Andiamo continues as a celebration of the bike trail's contribution to the recreational opportunities in our community. It is not a trail race; the VHTRC is connected to it only by historical quirk. But it is a great event and the club is be proud of it. Come back in 2006 and see why people who have done it, love it.

[Be sure to see Michele Harmon's pictures. She wants everyone to know that she was there to help Mike Priddy and, if you ran behind Mike, you were not in her pictures.]