The Joesph Brant Bicycle Regatta was the brainchild of, among others,
Michael Millner, a New York City escapee who moved to Oneonta in the spring
of 1975. He was most impressed with the General Clinton Canoe Regatta, that
being the area's major outdoor event and a source of great pride to the
hosting communities. His desire to participate in the weekend's excitement,
however, was stymied by the fact that he could neither row nor swim, being
paralyzed with fear when immersed in water greater than six feet in depth
(he was 5'11"). The solution was to cycle the beautiful, quiet backroads
that meander along the banks of the Susquehanna from Cooperstown to
Bainbridge. A bit of historical research uncovered the story of Joseph
Brant, a Native American from the Mohawk tribe. Brant, who worked
both sides of the street as a mercenary in those years (and died a wealthy
man as a result), led the band of raiders who harassed Clinton's forces
from the shores of the river. Hence, the Joseph Brant Bicycle Regatta.
This Regatta first took place in 1976 and was populated by a ragtag
assortment of about a dozen riders and their equally ragtag bicycles. By
the early 1980's, Brant's forces had grown to over 70. A Greyhound bus and
several trucks were rented to carry riders and their equipment from Oneonta
to Cooperstown for the 6 a.m. start and then from Bainbridge back to
Oneonta. A Brooks BBQ-catered party was held at College Camp replete with
music, dancing and pained stretching motions. The Ride was, and remains, a
social event where old friendships are renewed, favorite haunts revisited,
and racing, even hurrying, is just not done.
Over the years, many of the principals have left the area but the ride has
nonetheless continued without interruption, celebrating its 25th
anniversary in 2000. The Regatta, as in the early years, is populated by a
ragtag assortment of about a dozen riders and their equally ragtag, but
very hi-tech, bicycles. For those who travel hundreds of miles to be part
of the Joseph Brant Bicycle Regatta, the ride is a wonderful opportunity to
renew friendships, experience springtime in upstate New York (for better or
worse) and to work up a healthy appetite.
