Cycling Classic has become top attraction
By this evening, there’s a pretty good chance most of us will have spotted a car with bicycles strapped to the roof.
Hundred of cyclists and their families will descend on Warren County this weekend in what can now be considered a full-scale annual tradition. The two days of bicycle races will draw competitors from over a dozen states and inject some much-needed money into the local economy.
We all know economic times are less than robust. The tension is subsiding in the Middle East, yet retail sales have not been quick to rebound. The financial future is still murky.
Yet the Highland Rim Cycling Classic provides a ray a sunshine during this time of layoffs and hardship. When the local economy is dragging, here comes the annual bike race to inject some $200,000 or $300,000.
Make no doubt about it. Warren County residents welcome this money with open arms.
This county may have kayaking events and a skydiving boogie, but the Highland Rim Cycling Classic has taken its place as the county’s biggest tourism attraction. For two days, our hotel rooms will be packed – something which can’t be said most any other time of the year.
While Smithville boasts its annual Jamboree that brings people to DeKalb County from far and wide, the Cycling Classic is the best annual event Warren County has to offer. Few other events can compare to the bike race in terms of instant cash spent inside Warren County’s borders. The nursery trade show and the annual craft fair would be the only other rivals which immediately come to mind.
As for the Cycling Classic itself, the Saturday morning race is considered one of the most challenging in the Southeast, and the prize money is highly respectable.
The highlight is the grueling 110-mile professional race. With Harrison Ferry Mountain providing most than enough hills, the course has earned a reputation as one of the toughest around.
It’s always encouraging to see a large sampling of Warren County spectators lining the roads and supporting the riders. We must remember these are riders who provide a quick – and substantial – fix to the local economy. It’s the least we can do to show our appreciation to these folks for making Warren County a regular destination.
In addition to spectators there are no shortage of volunteers which ensure the Cycling Classic runs smoothly. If there’s one thing you can count on in Warren County, it’s people will help out when needed.
All in all, the bike race is something we should all be proud to support and all be thankful to have. During what can only be called shaky economic times, the Highland Rim Cycling Classic brings in money and it brings excitement. Take a few hours this weekend to enjoy the Cycling Classic and discover what one of this county’s top attractions is all about.