Chicago

Saturday, June 7, 2003

We had an Urban Challenge first in Chicago — a marriage proposal. Mark Bedics got the idea to propose to his teammate, Becky Ahlgren, and asked for our help. We put our best minds to the job and came up with a plan for maximum shock to poor Becky.

Imagine Becky's surprise when question 30 of the Trivia Challenge showed her and Mark's face and the proposal of marriage. Mark was at the ready, on his knees and with the ring he'd nervously hidden in his pack. What was her answer? Take the Trivia Challenge to find out.

Becky writes:

I still can't believe it! He should have told me to at least shower that morning! I don't think that I have stopped smiling since Saturday- as for telling our future kids that the proposal happened on a Saturday morning at 8 am in a bar...

The best part was all of the people on the course who were congratulating us and so excited with us! (Okay- maybe not the BEST part...) Thanks again- you guys are AMAZING! We'll be back next year! --Becky

Results:
Veteran Urban Challengers Todd Arthur and Bob Burke got a firm first place in their hometown. Congrats men! Lisa Noller and Jonathan Epstein, also hometown veterans, got second place, followed by the Northshore Ballers in third, Nikhil Waingankar and Jonathan Michael Toftoy. See all the results»

Checkpoints:
This year's course celebrates race creator Kevin McCarthy's hometown. Check out the checkpoints »

Trivia Challenge:
What jazz musician was a spokesman for Swiss Kriss laxatives? Should Becky marry Mark? Test yourself with the Trivia Challenge »

Photos: Pix from Chicago!

Thanks:
An awesome thanks to the people at Green Door tavern.

Also thanks to another Urban Challenger who wrote in to say:

Mr. South Native Kevin McCarthy,
I competed in your challenge in Chicago and was veeeerrrry leery of doing so because of my "Senior Citizen" / Retired status ; especially when the first contestants I talked to told me that they were " Tri-Athletes". I told them that I was also a "Tri-Athlete" in so far as I drank , smoked and chased. All kidding aside, this contest was one of the most rewarding experiences I have competed in. Congratulations on a magnificent time. I really appreciate it.