The 5th Annual Nalley Historic Roswell Criterium returns on Sunday, April 30, 2006 and will kick off National Bicycle Month in Roswell....
The 5th Annual Nalley Historic Roswell Criterium returns on Sunday, April 30, 2006 and will kick off National Bicycle Month in Roswell. Since the first event in 2001, the Nalley Historic Roswell Criterium has grown to hosting 500 elite racers, 350 Mayor’s Ride participants and 8,000 spectators. Nalley Automotive Roswell continues its title sponsorship.
Sunday begins with a recreational bicycle ride for all levels of cyclists, with the Roswell Mayor’s Ride beginning at 8:15 a.m. at Roswell Area Park. Three ride options will be offered, 5 miles, 24 miles and 44 miles, with a police escort, rest stops and lunch following the event. Last year 342 people participated in the inaugural event, and raised awareness for Bike Roswell!, the grassroots organization helping the city gain recognition as a national bicycle friendly community.
“This continues to be one of the top one-day events in Roswell for the year. The City of Roswell is proud to have Nalley Automotive Roswell as a partner and promote outdoor recreation, like cycling, as a great opportunity for exercise, for competition and for entertainment. The Nalley Historic Roswell Criterium offers something for the whole family,” said Roswell Mayor Jere Wood.
Over 500 elite competitors registered in 2005 for the criterium, a series of eight races on the one-mile route in Historic Roswell. Close to $20,000 in prize money will be up for grabs again in 2006, one of the largest purses on the National Racing Calendar for USA Cycling. The start/finish line will again be in front of Founder’s Hall on Canton Street, known as “Nalley Alley” and races will run from Noon to 7:30 p.m. Other activities for the day include a Bikefest Expo, restaurant and shop specials, and a children’s bicycle safety rodeo. While there are registration fees to participate in the races and for the Mayor’s Ride, all other activities are complimentary. Registration for the professional races are $35 to $45 and can be done online at www.active.com; it is $15 for the Mayor’s Ride before April 15, and $20 there after. More information on registration can be found at www.nalleyhrc.comand www.bikeroswell.com.
The Children’s Bicycle Safety Rodeo will be managed by the Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell and is supported by Roswell Bicycles. Children can also participate in the Shimano Youth Series races. The youth races are complimentary to any children who complete the Rodeo and are held on the same race course as the pros. While not the fastest races of the day, the youth races are some of the most entertaining. Rodeo registration, if not done in advance at Roswell Bicycles, begins at 2 p.m., with the Rodeo instruction beginning at 3 p.m. The children’s bicycle races take off after the conclusion of the Rodeo.