In our March issue of Bike Tour News, we issued a challenge to our readers for picture submissions of the most FUNctional SAG (support and gear) buses. The winner was guaranteed a monetary reward of $100 to be donated to the charity of the sponsor of the winning bus. With thousands of cycling tours across the country that draw many diverse people, it was important to find a SAG bus that captured the spirit and personality of their group of cyclists, while still maintaining its main function: carrying medical supplies and personnel, a bike repair mechanic, bike repair tools, water, snacks and often times a radio operator.
We received numerous submissions of SAG buses, and although the decision was a tough one, Team Spirit was donned the winner of the most FUNctional SAG bus, with Team “Got Beer” coming in a close second. The Team Spirit SAG bus supports the RAGBRAI tour based in Manchester, IA. This cycling tour began 15 years ago and hosts members from Utah, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Kansas. Although the current RAGBRAI SAG bus can claim certain features such as an RV toilet and shower, inside staircase to access the deck, a neon ‘Cocktail’ sign, a covered deck for sleeping above the mosquitos, and a “killer sound system,” it can not claim to have seen the riders through the 15 year history of the RAGBRAI tour; the first SAG bus provided 10 years of loyalty to the racers and support staff. The picture depicted of the Team Spirit SAG bus is from 2006 and was submitted by Cheryl Soshnik to pay homage to their ‘Support Driver’, Steve, who passed away shortly after the 2006 tour. The honorable mention FUNctional SAG bus is Team “Got Beer”. This SAG bus has features such as an inside/outside premium sound system, a full graphic wrap outside and inside ceiling, a flat screen DVD system inside and a 55 gallon drum on the roof that dispenses vodka lemonade.
Thank you to everyone who submitted a picture and a description of their SAG buses, and congratulations to Team Spirit and Team “Got Beer”. Located under this post are a few of the submissions we received. In order from left to right the SAG buses are: Best ass on the Bus Whoop-SNIFF, RCTC-Russia, Team Spirit (2006), Team Spirit (2007) and Team “Got Beer”.
