Turkey, football and pumpkin pie are longtime Thanksgiving traditions. For SoCal time trial enthusiasts, however, the real tradition is the Thanksgiving Day Tom’s Farms TT. For the last 16 years this event has been the bike racer’s equivalent to roasted fowl, napping in front of the TV and caloric landmines. It’s been a true expression of the “I ride so I can eat” philosophy.
This race is uniquely staged on this holiday’s Thursday morning on Temescal Canyon Road just south of Corona. It’s a rolly, 8-mile, out-and-back course that’s been a staple of the TT scene several times a year for well over a decade.
But the 2012 edition may be the last. Urban expansion — which shortened the route by two miles several seasons ago — is spelling doom. Stop signs and stoplights are appearing faster than dandelions, and seemingly constant construction is leaving the pavement more chopped up than onions at Benihana’s.
The history books will show that Cat 1-2 rider Norm Carter (Team Redlands) was the fastest male competitor at the final Tom’s Farms Thanksgiving Day Time Trial with a time of 18:20, while Cynthia Sjogren (Team Redlands) was top lady with a 22:45.
Promoters Ray and Irma Moreno of Pacific Sunset Velo see the writing on the wall and are now considering other course options. Even the scheduled December 9 event is in question. Keep an eye on the SoCalCycling.com race calendar and PSVelo.com for confirmation and/or relocation.
We’ll miss you, Tom’s. Now please pass the gravy.
Photos & Report By Phil Beckman/PB Creative
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