The Observation Deck

One week after the Tour de France ends with a criterium on the Boulevard des Champs Elyees in Paris, racers from around the Midwest will compete for cash and glory in Lakewood.

A “criterium” is a race designed for spectators, with multiple laps around a short course, usually through the city. In Lakewood’s case the race will use Detroit Avenue, Sloane, and West Clifton—streets lined with restaurants, bars, apartments, and other businesses. The restaurants and bars supporting the event will help create a party atmosphere, with food, drink, and music. High rise apartments along the route will have a sensational, bird’s eye view of the action.

http://gyroscopethattakesyouplaces.word ... ace-is-on/

This sounds awesome!

Maybe we should enter an LO team.....Jim can make us some cool "Cutters" t-shirts!

Thank you for the great article. I know my husband has put his heart and soul in to this.

This does sound very interesting... very cool.

This was discussed a couple years ago, and I thought it was a great idea. It could be a great signature event for Lakewood.

Great article!

As has been mentioned in an earlier thread: In the 1960's, I organized the original Lakewood Day Bicycle Races. These were conducted with the support of the City and the Lakewood business community, and were once an exciting part of the "Lakewood Day" community activities.

For a brief history of bicycle racing in general, as well as regards Lakewood's previous experience with bike racing. you can check out my previous Lakewood Observer column here:

http://lakewoodobserver.com/read/06/03/ ... e-lakewood

Back to the bike, er, the banjo...

If my memory serves me correctly this would be the return of this event.

There were bike races held on I-90 in the years before it opened, making the loop on Bunts and back to Riverside, where no dividers were at the time.

This should be a great event for Lakewood.

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I was a little kid and living at Grandma's house on Lincoln near the Seelies when I-90 was under construction, and I remember riding my tricycle with my family on the pavement before the road opened. I didn't know there were organized races, though. Cool!

Racing of any kind is primitive sport: you're just trying to get there first. And any kind of racing--whether it be the pure simplicity of running or the raw power of motor sports--has unique appeal. In bicycle racing, there's the elegance of one of the world's most efficient machines, and the fact that everyone who has ever ridden one can share the sensation of balance, the thrill of leaning through turns, the fluid grace of pedaling.

Plus, in this part of town, they've got plenty of beer. For the spectators, I mean.

Does anyone know what time the streets will close down for the races?

Bret Callentine wrote:Does anyone know what time the streets will close down for the races?

The road closures start at noon, but if there is a need to get in and out of the area we will have that worked out and you will be able to do so.

If anyone is looking to help volunteer with set-up or take-down please let me know or my husband (who is the race director).

TODAY!

Course closes at noon.

Be there...

http://lakewoodobserver.com/read/2011/07/27/lakewood-criterium-gives-kids-amateurs-and-experts-their-shot-at


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As of 12:30----

Things were setting up--- you know you have and event when corporate and manufacturers put up tents.

LPD scrutinizing the course and verifying traffic.

Streets scrubbing and re-scrubbing the race course with the street cleaner.

Street side establishments setting up their refreshment stands. Dominoes hawking a special to fans gathering on the street.

Race announcer explaining the race and identifying sponsors. (hint, this could be a great outlet for a sponsor if you get in early next year).The race starts---------- and 3 minutes later the peleton zooms, and I mean ZOOMS by.

First Lakewood Criterion, first race, these bikers want to win!!!!!!

As the founder of the original Lakewood Bicycle Races over 40 years ago, please allow me to be the first to extend my warmest congratulations to Mr. Limkemann and all of those who worked so hard to bring this extraordinary new event to the city, and to coordinate its operations today.

Dad and I just returned from watching a part of the race, and what a professional, HUGE event it is, with a full field of participants!

We were unfortunately not able to help out this year, but hats off to all who made this race a premier event for summertime Lakewood.

Back to the bicycle, er, the banjo...