Meadowmont Classic
Unfortunately, the traditional course at Meadowmont has had speed bumps installed and is no longer practical as a venue. The race we’ve put on so successfully over the last few years will not be happening in 2008. We’ like to thank the Meadowmont community for hosting us for the past five years and allowing us to put on a top-notch sporting event.
The fifth annual Meadowmont Classic Criterium was held Sunday, April 29, 2007. The Tri-Cyclists donated all race proceeds — $3,500 — to the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill. Below is an article about the race from the Fall 2007 issue of the Tarhealer magazine, published by the Ronald McDonald House.
Biking for Bucks
Since 2005, the Tri-Cyclists Bicycle Racing Club of Chapel Hill has hosted the Meadowmont Classic Criterium, which attracts competitive racing enthusiasts from across the state. This year, for the third time, all proceeds went to the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill.
The Criterium, named the “Event of the Year” in 2006 by the Chapel Hill News, seems to become more popular as the years pass. This year there was a 25 percent increase in the number of cyclists. So, on a beautfiully warm and breezy Sunday in April, more than 400 riders came to Meadowmont and raised $3,500 for our House…a $1,000 increase over last year!
A criterium is an exciting day of racing around a circular course. Racers are rated to compete in a particular category and so are going head-to-head against other cyclists with comparable skills. As the skill levels increase, so do the speeds at which riders make the challenging loop at Meadowmont. The littlest bikers start at the bottom of the hill and ride uphill to the finish line, determined looks on their faces and training wheels on their bikes!
But why the Ronald McDonald House? Susan Helm-Murtagh, President of the Tri-Cyclists, puts it simply: “Many of our club members are parents. We believe strongly in the value and mission of the Ronald McDonald House, so it was an easy decision to donate our race proceeds to the House.”
Thank you to the Tri-Cyclists and all who participated in this memorable event!
Here are some comments about the 2007 race.
“This was and is one of the better-run races around. The promoters even let the racers use the showers at the gym next to the course. The fields started close to or on time. The results were posted quickly. Good stuff.” —user “Snuffleupagus” on bikeforums.net
“It was a great day, and the Tri-Cyclists put on a really good event. I’ll be back for it next year for sure.” —user “truckin” on bikeforums.net
“I just want to let you know the Meadowmont Classic was an excellent event. All the personnel you had working the event (from the crossing guards to registration) were polite and organized; hats off to them. I really can’t think of a comment to improve your event though. Oh yeah! There is one: can you level those two 15% climbs? I would easily fit the into next year’s races if it wasn’t for a trip to Iraq; not a problem though, I’ll be there in 2009. Great job again! All the best! —Rob Wilhoite, G3 Current Operations Sergeant Major XVIII, Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
“You all put on a great event today. Thank you to your whole team, the Meadowmont community, and the public servicemen for all your work and for allowing the racers to take over the roads for a day. It was a wonderful place to race (great course), recover (i.e., EAT), and spectate.” —Tripp Dean
“My wife and I went out and really enjoyed the races. You guys did an awesome job.” —Adam Ledford
In a year-end Chapel Hill News sports wrapup published December 27, 2006, columnist Randy Young called the 2006 Meadowmont Classic the “Event of the Year.”
