This race was thrown together at the last minute to replace our cancelled Fall RATL. Thanks to a bunch of guys running around like madmen, understanding city and cycling officials, and the efficiency of email, we put together one GREAT race!
A perfect early Fall day, a large turnout of very competitive cyclists, and the blessing of no accidents all helped make a fun race. However, what made the day really rewarding was the fact that it was a memorial/fundraiser for the NYFD and other victims of the terrorist tragedy. Cyclists contributed $344 from their own pockets and the Freewheelers donated $1,000. (Which was the race proceeds plus an additional contribution.) In addition, there was a moment of silence prior to the race and a five mile parade lap with 77 cyclists carrying the Stars & Stripes as a memorial to the victims. It was great to see cycling—a sport that is by nature very self-centered—showing such support for the community!
None of this would have been possible without the Herculean efforts of Denis Osowski and his wife, Mosie. It was all Denis’ idea and he and Mosie did nearly all the work. They put together the entire effort in just 3 days! Denis and Mosie got great support from George Liolios and Tom Collier and all the Freewheelers owe a debt of thanks to each of them for making a great race into something that was really a special event in response to the difficult times facing our country.
There were lots of additional folks instrumental in making this a great—and safe!—race. Especially, Tom Collier. Once again, Tom stepped up to do most of the work to organize and run the race. Without all of Tom’s work all season, the Freewheelers would have been racing a lot less this year! Joanne Liolios and Rick Schwarz also provided key help. Many marshals helped—so many that I don’t even know the names of all of them. Thanks to Peter Henriksen, Dave Wadkins, Cathy Bedell, Karen Ingraham, Rob and Chanetll Eggleton, Debbie Collier, and Mr. Lee on his motorcycle. Sorry—I know I missed some folks.
Oh yeah, the Club can also be proud of their race efforts! Lots of our bright red and yellow jerseys were prominent in both the A & B races. The A race was at a furious pace as the peloton spent the entire race chasingJoe Papp, Jeff Braumberger, and Brian Batke who broke away on the first lap and extended their gap every loop. The B race had a strong field that squashed a couple of serious break attempts and then rolled around to a bunch sprint finish. Word is some old guy from the Freewheelers got to the line first. See all the results here.
| A Race | B Race | Women |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Joe Papp 2. Jeff Braumberger 3. Brian Batke 4. Dan Staite 5. Paul Martin 6. Jim Bladesare 7. Brett Bailon 8. Jim Mullins 9. Jim Cunningham Jr. 10. Dave Chernosky |
1. Ted Ingraham 2. Jason Reinhardt 3. Jeff Plas 4. Matt Carson 5. Jim Houston 6. Brian Diffenbacher 7. Ian Tuttle 8. Jeff Augustine 9. Michael Polce 10. Mike Johnson |
1. Jane Evely 2. Tiffany Kenny 3. Tricia Ingraham 4. Melissa Weddell 5. Catherine Scott 6. Carrelle Bresson 7. Stacey Bolgain |
One of the largest and most successful bicycle racing series in the Eastern Ohio/Western Pennsylvania region. This race circles the lake at Munroe Falls Metro Park. As many as 480 entrants participated in this race series in the 2000 season.
Minimum pay out $200 each day (may be more—will be based upon percentage of the entry fees). All USCF rules apply. CSP, ANSI, ASTM, or SNELL helmets required, no aero bars. Promoter reserves the right to change distance and/or combine categories. Events raced in order shown, starting immediately after conclusion of prior event. Free lap rule NOT in effect. Race goes snow, rain, shine, whatever.
The course (closed to traffic) is a rolling 1.2 mile circuit around the Munroe Falls Metro Park Lake. Three 90’s and four sweeping turns.
Registration day of events or contact Rick Schwarz. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. at race site (park opens at 8:00 a.m.), and closes 10 minutes before your event. Standard release form required. NOTE: Current USCF license MUST BE PRESENTED for all USCF events. Unlicensed citizen riders must buy a one day USCF license.
2000 Erie Racing Association critirium champions get their entry fees waived for their category which they hold their title in when wearing the championship jersey.
Directions: Munroe Falls Metro Park is located on South River Road in Munroe Falls, Ohio. Munroe Falls is N.E. of Akron, immediately south of Stow, and west of Kent. South River Road is south of Graham Road and north of Howe Road. From SR-91 (Darrow Road), turn east onto South River Road (at Manila Bay Cafe), go east 1 mile to the Metro Park. Contact Rick Schwarz or 330-922-3299 for additional information.