Campers don't take potholes lying down

Borgess Run Campers have lost some battles, but say they're out to win the war on potholes this winter.

After some nasty ankle injuries, a number of team leaders gathered to formulate strategies on how to tackle this perpetual problem.

"We think our 'Adopt-A-Pothole' plan will work," said veteran leader Judah Gesmundo.  "Before every Saturday run, we identify the streets we'll be running on, and campers pick a pothole and guarantee that no one will fall into it that week.   So far, so good."

Although "cold asphalt filler" is the preferred method used by campers, spray paint around the edges is another technique.

"The technique I use," says Gesmundo, "is a simple 'money-back guarantee.' Campers pay me each week and if they step in a pothole, I give them their money back."

'Bike To Camp Day' Was Big Hit

Although the event wasn't officially organized or even sanctioned by the officials of Borgess Run Camp, "Bike To Camp Day" caught the attention of townspeople and campers alike last Saturday, January 4. "I'm not sure who even came up with the idea, but let's just say it went viral," observed Team Leader Gordon Greenland, who said he chose not to ride his bike to camp that day because it was his birthday and he was expecting a new bike for his birthday (and didn't get it). "For something this ad hoc, I'd say it was easily one of the biggest camp events of the year," said camper Kristin Fiore. "I didn't ride mine because it's in the shop for a tune-up, but I could see how people could get excited about it." Interestingly, the concept apparently wasn't started because of any concerns about downtown parking, as campers started at the Radisson and finished at Gazelle Sports. "I think it was more of a symbolic effort to bring the running and biking communities closer together. Makes a lot of sense." Run Camp Director Janeen Docsa, in charge of taking campers' belongings from the Radisson to Gazelle, said she went along with the idea of transporting the bicycles, "and to my knowledge, not a single bike was left at the Radisson." "It wouldn't surprise me to see even more campers biking to Portage Central this weekend," said Docsa.

Run Camp Adds Weather Coach

Borgess Run Camp has named Chris Celcius as it's first-ever "Weather Coach."

"In light of the challenges we expect to face this winter," said Run Camp Manager Cheryl Pickett, "we conducted a national search for someone who had the background to help us.  The minute I laid eyes on Chris, I knew this was our man."

A native of Riverside, California, Celcius received his undergraduate degree in atmospheric sciences from San Diego State University.  He received his master's degree in hydrologic studies from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and got his Ph.D in oceanography from Pacific Western University in Hawaii.  He plans to work remotely from his home in Coral Gables, Florida, and make the move sometime in mid- to late June.

When asked if he had any current advice for campers, he said, "Stay warm, dudes."