The Observation Deck

After looking at Jim's page and his photos (you should if you haven't - really good stuff!) I noticed that there was a criterium raced here in Lakewood just a few years ago.

Will there be another?

Hi there. I am the director of the Lakewood Criterium. (I wear many hats here) Sadly there will not be another one. For long long reasons that I would "love" to discuss out in the open but I have a temper. Let's just say that some of the businesses on the West End did not like us being there and have basically shut us down.

Missy Limkemann wrote:Hi there. I am the director of the Lakewood Criterium. (I wear many hats here) Sadly there will not be another one. For long long reasons that I would "love" to discuss out in the open but I have a temper. Let's just say that some of the businesses on the West End did not like us being there and have basically shut us down.

Missy

Tell them how the mayor dicked you around, lifted the event and left you and Brian high and dry.

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That's really a shame. Some small towns have really boosted themselves in the public's eye by making their criterium well known and attract 100's of potential consumers/customers that bring in lots of money. Look at all those famous road races/marathons et al. They bring in millions!

Alex Belisle wrote:That's really a shame. Some small towns have really boosted themselves in the public's eye by making their criterium well known and attract 100's of potential consumers/customers that bring in lots of money. Look at all those famous road races/marathons et al. They bring in millions!

Alex

Missy and Brian did a stellar job building that event into the end of the year championship
races, but City Hall is desperate to control, and own, made it nearly impossible to sustain.
They tried to do it themselves in conjunction with Gay Games, and got about 20 riders, none
of them "Criterium" pros or level.

Yet another great thing created by residents, crushed by Lakewood City Hall.


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It wasn't the mayor but someone else from City Hall. We brought the Gay Games in...and it was supposed to be part of the Criterium and then I was told "bye..we don't want you anymore". Some of the businesses also didn't like it and didn't see what it could do for them. I will say West End and Parnell was amazing. OMG he had the vision and loved it. I just ran into him at the grocery store and he asked about still and is upset it isn't happening and invited me for lunch (Jim...pick a day). He had the vision....there were other businesses on the course that loved it but overwhelming we were not welcome.

I also think some of the people in city hall liked that it was a woman in charge. I think they felt threatened. (by little ol me...lol)

Well - that sucks . . .

Missy Limkemann wrote:I also think some of the people in city hall liked that it was a woman in charge. I think they felt threatened. (by little ol me...lol)

Monique Smith has said here on the Deck the most Misogynous place she has worked.

Part of the post is in markling's sign off.

Actually Missy, they played you. Ask Rhonda about being played by these people.


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I really enjoyed watching the Criterium.

Just thought I would let you know that your work appreciated (which I hope you knew)!

Dru McKeown wrote:I really enjoyed watching the Criterium.

Just thought I would let you know that your work appreciated (which I hope you knew)!

I agree entirely!

Dru McKeown wrote:I really enjoyed watching the Criterium.

Just thought I would let you know that your work appreciated (which I hope you knew)!

It was growing into a really special event in Lakewood.

All of us appreciate the hard work you and Brian did.

I appreciate what the City did at the time, but the demise
was for nothing, another wasted opportunity.


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Thank you for the kind words. We loved the event, we had drive for the event, and we loved that everyone loved the event. And came out of the woodworks to help us and all the volunteers that helped us. I cannot say how much I love them for it.
If only city hall saw the vision...and saw what kind of revenue they could have made from it.

Missy Limkemann wrote:Thank you for the kind words. We loved the event, we had drive for the event, and we loved that everyone loved the event. And came out of the woodworks to help us and all the volunteers that helped us. I cannot say how much I love them for it.
If only city hall saw the vision...and saw what kind of revenue they could have made from it.

Was there any consideration given to moving the event?
Perhaps an area like Birdtown would be more receptive to the idea.

There was talk about moving it, but we couldn't find a good course that was safe and also didn't put a lot of people out. I am going to pour over the Lakewood map again though. I do miss the event. I sort of in a weird way miss the stress of putting it on too.

Missy Limkemann wrote:There was talk about moving it, but we couldn't find a good course that was safe and also didn't put a lot of people out. I am going to pour over the Lakewood map again though. I do miss the event. I sort of in a weird way miss the stress of putting it on too.

I think I like you !