George Street Bike Challenge Returns to Worcester July 26

Riders Take on Worcester’s Steepest Hill

“There’s over 50 chapters of Major Taylor Association related clubs… There’s even at least one I think in Taiwan.” — Dale Wickenheiser

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic- Radio Worcester

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Worcester, MA-Dale Wickenheiser and Seth Popinchalk stop by Radio Worcester to invite everyone to come out for the George Street Bike Challenge in Worcester on July 26th, either as participants or spectators.

The George Street Bike Challenge, celebrating twenty-two years is a hill climb event honoring Major Taylor, the first Black world champion cyclist. “There’s over 50 chapters of Major Taylor Association related clubs… There’s even at least one I think in Taiwan” says Dale. Riders navigate one of the city’s steepest streets—an 18% grade over 500 feet—with both competitive athletes and recreational cyclists participating. “George Street’s about 18% on average. Something like Belmont Hill going up Belmont Street is about six” It is so steep that most pedestrians use the handrails. Seth says, “You’re burning. You’ve got the burning feeling in your legs” but you push on through with the help of the crowd.

The event, which has grown into New England’s largest bike festival, takes over Main Street with vendors, community organizations, and local business partners. Organizers would like to see it grow, “If you’ve ever seen the Tour de France and those people are just insane, five deep on the side of the road cheering them on. That would be such a powerful thing” says Dale. Registration is available on-site ($30) or in advance via Bike Reg ($25).

The festival runs from 10 AM to approximately noon, with an after-party at Moynagh’s Tavern. Spectators are encouraged to line the streets to support riders. More information is available at sevenhillswheelmen.org and on Instagram @GeorgeStreetBikeChallenge.

Mark Fidrych Podcast Explores Legacy Before WooSox Hall Honor

The Bird: Spirit of ’76 Podcast Revisits Mark Fidrych’s Magic

“If Fidrych didn’t have the talent, didn’t have the pitching ability, we wouldn’t be talking about him.” — Andy Baron

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic – Radio Worcester (with KTB Media’s old baseball card!)

WORCESTER, MA- A new podcast, The Bird: The Spirit of ’76, examines the remarkable season that transformed Mark Fidrych into one of America’s most popular sports figures.

Journalist Andy Baron joins Hank Stolz and Bill Wanless on The Worcester Red Sox Show to explain what inspired him to create the nine-part podcast series. Fidrych, a Northborough, Massachusetts native, is also being inducted into the WooSox Hall of Fame this summer.

The episode explores the life and legacy of Mark “The Bird” Fidrych, who became both a baseball and cultural sensation during the 1976 season.

Baron emphasizes that Fidrych’s popularity was built on far more than his famous personality and unusual routines.

“If Fidrych didn’t have the talent, didn’t have the pitching ability, we wouldn’t be talking about him.”

Across nine episodes, the podcast examines three major dimensions of Fidrych’s story: his childhood in Northborough and the challenges he faced early in life; his meteoric rise as a crossover cultural phenomenon who rivaled stars such as Elton John and Peter Frampton; and his post-baseball life devoted to community service and advocacy for people with special needs.

Featuring interviews with Hall of Fame pitcher Bert Blyleven and sports media experts, the series highlights Fidrych’s exceptional ability on the mound. During the 1976 season, he posted a 19-9 record with a 2.34 ERA and completed 24 games.

“Twenty-four complete games. That’s absolutely unheard of when you think of it,” Baron says.

That extraordinary talent, combined with Fidrych’s charismatic quirks and genuine team-first attitude, captivated audiences nationwide.

According to Baron, some of Fidrych’s seemingly eccentric behavior may have actually reflected sophisticated emotional-regulation techniques. When it appeared that Fidrych was talking to the baseball, Baron explains, he was using a form of self-coaching.

“It was self-talk, really, is what he was doing.”

The series also documents Fidrych’s life after arm injuries cut his career short. He later worked as a contractor in Worcester County and remained deeply involved in his community.

Fidrych stayed devoted to his local roots and continued connecting with fans until his death in 2009.

“He was still answering hundreds of letters from fans right up until his death,” Baron says.