I thought I'd offer another point of view regarding the "Volvo Hyannis Port Challenge" aired on NBC
the other day.
NBC attempted to cover in one half hour three events that took place over 90 miles of roads in
Eastern, MA during a thirteen hour span on May 17th. The three events were a 90 mile fund raising
ride from the JFK Library in Boston to the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, a three race criterium
and a combined clambake/auction/floor show. The singular purpose of these events was to raise money
for the Best Buddies organization and the singular purpose of the half hour coverage was to showcase
Best Buddies through the efforts of many people from various aspects of the cycling community. More
than one million dollars was raised on May 17th for the Best Buddies program.
I went back and looked at my tape and most of the time was devoted to the cyclists although they
were often not on their bikes. Essentially the film tracked two Best Buddies teams as they prepared
for the event and then it followed them as they attempted to ride the 90 miles. Interviews focused
on the both the preparation and the impact participation in the Best Buddies Program has had on the
individuals [Buddy and partner with intellectual disabilities]. The interviews reminded me very much
of the up close and personal interviews ABC did a few years back at the Olympics.
I think the film also showcased the cycling community at its best. Riders, promoters,sponsors,
officials, mechanics ,etc. coming together to raise money for the Best Buddies organization.
The event and the coverage was not about bike racing rather it was about the cycling community
helping Best Buddies to advance its programs.
You can get more information about Best Buddies by going to its web site at bestbuddies.org. I would
agree that Senator Kerry should not have been in the piece but perhaps for a different reason namely
this coverage was about 2003 and Senator Kerry rode in 2002.
Bill Dolan
