By James Gutzmer
TAHLEQUAH — It will not be the roar of engines that is heard in downtown Tahlequah this evening, but the whiz of tires and clicking of gears as bicycles fly by during SpeedWheel 2006.
“This race is going to be fast and furious,” said race co-promoter Andy Wheeler. “With the relatively short race time it allows for some pretty fast races.”
SpeedWheel is a bicycle racing event that has become a part the FreeWheel cross-state ride almost 15 years ago. The FreeWheel is returning to Tahlequah today, riders will started arriving around 11 a.m. this morning and will continue to arrive all day.
In conjunction with the near 1000 riders in FreeWheel, this year’s SpeedWheel event is predicted to draw 200-250 racers ranging in skill levels from expert to begininer.
“This event is special because it is held in conjunction with FreeWheel. So you have pretty much a captive audience,” said Wheeler. “You have a lot of cyclist in town. Second these will be fast races with short race times.”
The event is a fast-paced "criterium" race. A criterium is a circuit race held on a short course entirely closed to traffic. The races, starting at 5:30 p.m., will be held near the Norris Park area of downtown, and according to the Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce website parts of Muskogee, Morgan, Water and Goingsnake Streets will be closed for the races.
The length of the course is approximately 4/10 of a mile long, and the race very similar to a stock car racing event, only on bicycles. There is a pit lane, where riders may change wheels or make other repairs and adjustments, and riders my only advance in the pack while on the course.
Prime Laps (pronounced "Preem") are a frequent addition to criterium races, and will be a part of tonights races. These are single-lap "races within a race." During the criterium, a bell is rung and an announcement is made to make racers aware that the current lap will be a prime lap. The winner of the single lap wins cash or merchandise awarded separate from any prizes awarded the criterium winner. Prime Laps add another dimension to the interest and excitement of short-course cycle racing.
Racers can race in age- or ability-graded groups, and some participate in both. Age groups include Juniors & Women is for all women and ages 10-18, and Masters for age 30 to 80-plus. Masters are often further divided into ability graded groups. Ability-graded groups range from one to five. One representing the best racers and five representing beginners.
Races for Juniors/Women will start things off at 5:30 p.m. They will be followed by Masters 4/5 at 5:55 p.m. Then Masters ages 35-plus at 6:20 p.m. Master 3/4 will start approximately 30 minutes later. At about 7:20 a race will be held for young kids who bring their bikes. Finally the final race for Masters 1/2/3 race will be run. In total there will over $2000 in cash given to the winners.
Registration for the races begins at 4:30 p.m. and will end 15 minutes before the race begins. Entry fee for Juniors/Women’s race is $20, while all other races are $25 except for the kid’s race which is free.
Race will be run rain or shine. All United States Cycling Federation rules apply and all riders must wear helmets. A parent or guardian must sign for riders under the age of 18, and riders without a USCF license will be charged $10 for a one day license. Rules can be read at usacycling.org.
