"The third annual June Curry Trail Angel Award actually went to a 'band of angels,'" said Outreach Coordinator Becky Douglas. "They are the members of the Community Park Board of Monroeville, Indiana, a town situated at the convergence of the North Lakes and Northern Tier Bicycle Routes."

The park board was nominated for the award by Adventure Cycling member Gary Scarcella of West Granby, Connecticut, who wrote: "While on a bicycle tour [last] summer following my Adventure Cycling maps, I was intrigued by the Monroeville accommodation listed as a 'special indoor shelter for cyclists w/shower, washer/dryer, free.' I thought it would be great to have a break from camping, but...all of my expectations were exceeded when I arrived and board secretary Jennifer Yoquelet gave me the keys to their Community Center. The first surprise was that the building was air conditioned, which was a real treat. They also provided a TV and VCR with numerous movie videos, a radio, books, a full kitchen, and cots to sleep on. This is America at its best, and I wish more communities would follow the lead of the town of Monroeville."

The 2005 Trail Angel Award was presented to the Monroeville Community Park Board in a special ceremony at the Monroeville Community Center on Tuesday, Dec. 6, with long-time Adventure Cycling board member Charles Pace of Columbus, Ohio, representing the organization.

"Meanwhile," Douglas said, "the 2005 Braxton Bike Shop Award went to Berlin Bicycle of Berlin, Connecticut, nominated by Adventure Cycling member Michael Spier of Durham, Conn."

On his nomination form, Spier wrote, "Berlin Bicycle understands adventure touring. They ask the 'right questions' when determining which equipment to recommend, and they take the time to respond thoughtfully to even the most minor request. Bruce Miller, the chief mechanic, has extensive touring experience both solo and via tandem. His knowledge and dedication to our activities make doing business with Berlin Bicycle a true pleasure. The owner and other shop employees share his positive attitude, as well."

The 2005 Braxton Bike Shop Award was presented to Berlin Bicycle owner Chris Chisholm and his staff in a ceremony at the shop on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Board member Anna Ginn of New York City represented Adventure Cycling.

A NOTE TO EDITORS: The phrase "Trail Angel" refers to a generous individual or group encountered during a bicycle tour that enhances the cyclotourist's experience, by helping the cyclist as a form of goodwill. The award is named for June Curry, the legendary Cookie Lady of Afton, Virginia, who has been assisting cyclists on the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail since 1976.  Adventure Cycling created the Braxton Bike Shop Award to honor bike shops throughout the nation that go out of their way to provide unique services to bicycle tourists. The Braxton Bike Shop, namesake of the award, for years went above and beyond to serve touring cyclists in their city of Missoula, Mont. Learn more at www.adventurecycling.org/outreach/awards.