These are the Champions

The Grammy. The Emmy. The Trannie? Even though they don't have a nickname, T.A.'s annual awards are no less coveted. T.A. executive director John Kaehny gave out praise and recognition to a group of deserving volunteers and other friends of the organization.

Leading off was a special recognition award for columnist "Gridlock" Sam Schwartz for his progressive thought and writings about transportation in New York City.

Cheerful crack volunteer and everywhere rider Sena Fadel was named Spirit of Cycling, and Web and HTML whiz Ken Zirkel was honored as Electronic Bike Guru. The always well-turned-out Ibrahim Abdullah got the Dapper Dresser nod, while noble Ross French took home Century Stalwart & Ironman. No one promoted bike culture in 1998 like Bike Show master Alan Lowe, and for Lifetime Achievement, the choice was clear: Roger Herz. The father-son team of Jesse and Jonathan Brown was Cycling Family of the Year, and the dedicated Martha Rowen and Judy Ross were recognized with Grassroots Action awards for their countless hours dedicated to Auto-Free Prospect and Central Parks, respectively. Mike Gaughan was recognized as All Around Special Events Maven, and last, but not least, Robert Eberwein beat off legions of snack-loving competitors to become Volunteer Night & Mailing Party Mainstay.

Congratulations to all award winners and all the wonderful T.A. volunteers who make it happen. Thanks also to the Puffin Room and Carl Rosenstein for hosting our party at the gallery.