News

Fast riders expected for Seventh Avenue races

Dr. John Hicks (in black) makes a successful breakaway in a Criterium race last year. PHOTO: Paul Jackson Photography/www.pauljacksonphoto.com

By Bill Moss, Published: January 29, 2017

Organizers hope for a turnout of 300 to 400 speedy bicyclists for the Historic Seventh Avenue Criterium on Sunday, Feb. 26.

The criterium is a short-course road race on a closed loop where riders compete based on the number of laps they finish in 30-, 40- or 60-minute time periods. With the added appeal of a double purse and double points, the Hendersonville race should attract a large field because it’s the sixth and final race of the Hincapie Greenville Spring Series. Riders organized the first criterium last year on Seventh Avenue but that one was not part of the Hincapie series, the South Carolina Upstate and WNC competition sponsored by George Hincapie, a world renowned American bicyclist who moved to Greenville, S.C., after his retirement from racing.
The inaugural Seventh Avenue Criterium last July 30 drew 132 riders.
“This year we’re hoping for the 3-to-400 range because we’re part of the Greenville series,” said Deane Gauthier, a Hendersonville financial consultant and one of the top Criterium riders in the region. The team Gauthier rides with, Crosstown Velo, hosted last year’s criterium.
This year’s course, six-tenths of a mile, has a start-finish line at Southern Appalachian Brewing Co. on Locust Street. Riders race clockwise along Locust, Lynn and Maple streets, Seventh Avenue and back to the finish line.
“Crits are fast, exciting and, as the course is so compact and the racers complete several laps, very spectator friendly,” Gauthier added in an email.
Categories range from Cat 5, for beginners, to juniors (10-14 and 15-18) to masters (40-plus and 50-plus), women, experienced riders and pros.
Title sponsor of the event is Hunter Subaru. Other sponsors are Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Borg Warner, Hincapie Sports, Carolina Specialties Construction, Southern Appalachian Brewing Co., the Historic Seventh Avenue District, Crosstown Velo and USA Cycling.
“Last year we had a lot of people that hung around after and had some food and adult beverages,” Gauthier said. “They had food trucks at SAB. It was next to impossible to get into Underground Bakery. People were lined out the door. We had lots of people that would not ordinarily be here that spent time in town.”
For online registration visit pre-reg.com. Day of the race registration opens at 8 a.m. and closes 15 minutes before start time. Parking is available at 650 Maple St. For more information visit crosstownvelo.com.

Participants run in a Frostbite Race in 2014.

Registration open for Frostbite Races

Registration is now open for Fletcher’s annual Frostbite Races at the Leila Patterson Fitness & Aquatics Center, on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m.
Sponsored by Trace and Company, the Frostbite races begin and finish at the Lelia Patterson Center on Howard Gap Road. Both the 10k and 5k courses provide views of Hutch Mountain and are on hilly to challenging terrain, with some steep inclines. A moderately rolling 1-mile course makes this premier racing event an opportunity for all running levels and ages.
Registration is open at https://racesonline.com/events/frostbiteraces. A portion of event proceeds benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters and mentor programs for underprivileged kids in the area.

Signup open for mountain bike races in Green River

Registration is open for the fourth annual Gear Grinder in the Green River Valley, featuring team and individual races for mountain bikers. The Gear Grinder offers mountain bikers the opportunity to compete in the six-hour event as individuals or in a duo or team category. The event takes place on Saturday, April 22, at Falling Creek Camp in Zirconia.
“This event is becoming a favorite among mountain bikers regardless of their skill level, and it’s a fun way to support kids right here in our community,” Jodi Grabowski, Gear Grinder Director and Camplify board member, said. “It’s also appealing since it’s a beautiful venue where most people don’t get a chance to ride — the Falling Creek Camp trails created by professional trail designer Todd Branham.”
Hunter Subaru is title sponsor.
“We are grateful for the support from the Hunter Subaru,” Grabowski said. “We have also added a sponsorship level with the goal of engaging area businesses who would like to support Camplify, while enabling employees to come out and represent their organization. For an additional $150 the company will receive promotional consideration in addition to their team entry. This is a fun way to get your employees out on the trails, while getting exposure for your business.”
Race fees include a complimentary post-race meal and after-party. Participants are encouraged to register early as the race is limited to 250 participants. Registration and more information is available at www.GearGrinder.org. All proceeds benefit Camplify, a non-profit that partners with Henderson County public schools, the Boys and Girls Club and summer camps to use the camping experience to build character, leadership and self-esteem of youth. For more information visit www.CamplifyNC.org or call 828.697.2000.