All in the Name
Fall is a time for changing leaves, fuzzy sweaters, and crisp apples!
For years we have gotten together with family and friends to play games, visit, and make homemade fresh apple cider. Everyone brings apples, gets a turn cranking the cider press, and then out comes yummy cider. It was an obvious theme for our race when our son Josh asked, “Why not have a triathlon at the farm?”
Why not have a triathlon at the farm?
Josh MacKeen
So, in remembrance of this time-honored tradition, we call our triathlon the CiderMan Sprint Triathlon.
9-11 Remembrance
Because our first CiderMan Sprint Triathlon was on the 20-year anniversary of 9-11, we held it in memory of John Ogonowski, the captain of American Airlines Flight 11.
Rich MacKeen, the co-owner of Buttercup Ranch & Creamery, a retired Air Force pilot, flew with John’s brother, Jim (“Ogi”).
John was also an avid farmer who raised hay, corn, pumpkins, blueberries, and peaches in Massachusetts. Jim now runs the family farm.
We feel a strong connection to the Ogonowski family due to their service and sacrifice, and also their passion for sustainable agriculture. Therefore, we are honoring them in this event.