City Team Finishes Not-First In Annual CEO Trike Race

Wednesday, September 14th, 2022

Maybe the real trophy was the friends we made along the way. 

You can't win them all. On Tuesday night, officials from the City of Dalton failed to build on the momentum from the Dalton Police Department's weekend softball victory when their four-person relay team finished less-than-first in the United Way's 10th annual CEO Trike Race. Much like the softball game, the tricycle race was in support of a good cause as the local United Way used the event to kick off their fall fundraising campaign. 

The CEO Trike Race has been an annual highlight of the United Way's fundraising in the Dalton area but due to COVID-19 the event had not been held in several years. That layoff could explain why the city's four-person relay of Dalton firefighter Andrew Carlson, Parks and Rec director Caitlin Sharpe, police chief Cliff Cason, and city administrator Andrew Parker were rusty with their pedaling and finished fourth in their four-team heat. Other excuses included the sun being in their eyes and the presence of a slight grade to the roadway. The team from Dorsett Industries took home the trophy and bragging rights, though it's unclear how much adults should brag about being fast on a tricycle. Nevertheless, the City of Dalton congratulates them on the victory. 

Caption: Members of the City of Dalton's Trike Force posed together before their less-than-championship performance

In all seriousness, the event in downtown Dalton did serve as the springboard for the United Way's 2022-23 fundraising. At a Burr Park block party after the race, campaign co-chairs Piet and Julian Dossche announced a record-breaking goal for the fundraiser. The 2022-23 campaign aims to raise $4.15 million that will go to support United Way organizations in Whitfield and Murray Counties. 

“This year’s goal is our largest yet. We want to ensure that needs continue to be met in our community,” said Piet Dossche in a statement on the organization's website. 

“I have no doubt our record-breaking goal of $4.15 million will be met. United Way’s success is an important part of our community’s overall success,” United Way President Amanda Burt said in the statement.

 “United Way is here serving our community when you need us most. We are a strong, vibrant, and diverse community. We are a community that steps up to help our neighbors in times of need – by lending a hand, by giving our financial resources to someone with a need greater than our own, and by doing whatever it takes to ensure our community thrives. United Way is important to me and our community, and I’m proud to be a part of the team,” United Way Board Chair Landon Hair said.

“We all benefit when you give to United Way of Northwest Georgia. Your dollars stay local and go to where they make the biggest impact, so our neighbors don’t go hungry, children have safe places to learn and grow, and struggling families can make ends meet. Right now, we all have the opportunity to make Whitfield and Murray counties a better place,” said Julian Dossche.

Caption: Dalton police chief Cliff Cason practiced with the tricycle before the race

The City of Dalton had not participated in the most recent editions of the CEO Trike Race, but the squad is already analyzing their performance in hopes of improving in years to come. Dalton's police chief had some early analysis that placed much of the blame on his fire department counterpart. Fire chief Todd Pangle was unable to participate in Tuesday evening's race due to illness (or a sudden fear of being embarrassed on a tricycle, it is unclear which). 

VIDEO: Chief Cason's postrace interview

"I'm really old, it was uphill," Chief Cason said when asked to analyze what happened during the race. He added, "and the fire chief failed to show up to give me positive encouragement so that's what I attribute my loss to today." 

"So whose fault was it that the city lost?" an interviewer asked Chief Cason.

"Todd Pangle," Cason answered. 

Chief Pangle was unavailable for comment. 

For more information on the United Way's campaign, click here. 

Below: City administrator Andrew Parker posed after the race with two future tricycle racers, his children