i found this on the climb forum.....(b savage)

"So this morning I was able to hang the bellup at the RP kiosk, to honor a man who was largely responsible for the " Jewel " , Bill Pope was his name and along with Augie Hoffman, used to lead rides through RP when it was a 7 mile loop, early stages of mountain biking in the early 90's. I have asked Augie , who did an awesome job on the bell btw , to put together a little history of RP so we can all appreciate their efforts . Word has it that Bill , who passed away a few years ago, would make people ring the bell for every lap they compleleted. I remember talking with Augie , Beth and Mike, early CLIMBERS who provide me with some details about the formation of the organization and having an extra large bell in my possession , an idea was born . Time has passed since that conversation at MVH and the bell has changed hands a couple of times between peeps . I contacted Augie ,who happens to work at the same location as my wife and asked him to give the bell to her, which he did and this morning I completed this mission . So when you pass by the bell, Thank Bill for his efforts and give it a nice pat !! Nick Cavuto from Northport ,was the first CLIMBER this morning to do that !! Thanks Bill, RIP !! "