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Local News

2019 Barry Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race is April 13

With 3,500 bicyclists registered for the 2019 Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race on Saturday, April 13, the City of Hastings will be filled with bicycle riders their friends and families.

Since the first Roubaix came to town, city officials and residents have agreed that the bikers are the most polite group of people who are part of an event, especially one that brings thousands of people to Hastings.

 

Serious bike racers as well as those in it for exercise and fun will be challenged by the gravel roads, a mile of rough two tracks, rocks, sand, and mud as they traverse the scenic roads of Barry County. With the date moved from March to April, the chances of icy and snowy roads are less than in previous races.

 

Four race lengths wait for riders of all abilities; The 22-mile “Chiller,” 36-mile “Thriller,” 62-mile “Killer” and the 100-mile “Psycho-Killer.” The Fat Bikes have specific categories in 22 and 36-mile races.

 

Rain, shine or fog, the largest gravel road race in the world starts in waves at 10 a.m. on Green Street, with the exception of the 100 mile test of endurance that pushes off at 7 a.m.

Instant Chronotrack Timing by Newton Timing is used and rigid handle bar number plates with timing chips are on each bike for the most accurate timing available.

 

Bikes like cyclocross, mountain, road, single speed, fixed gear, fat bikes or tandem bicycles are seen in the race where riders come from all over the United States and internationally.

 

The Barry-Roubaix course is now a year-round draw, City Manager Jeff Mansfield said. “In the months leading up to the race, there are many, many cyclists on the course each weekend – literally hundreds if the weather is even remotely nice.” Mansfield, who has competed in the race, is looking forward to working with Scott TenCate, Rick Plite, Matt Acker and others from Trail Blazer Events.

 “Rick and Scott are not only friendly, helpful and enjoyable folks to work with, they are also magnificent event coordinators.  We hear time and again from cyclists that this is by far the best run event they participate in all year, plus the whole event is great fun!” 

 

City staff members in the Department of Public Services, Police Department, Community Development Department and other city employees thoroughly enjoy working with MDOT, the Barry County Sheriff’s Department and Posse, Spectrum Health Pennock and many other local agencies to make the event happen each year, he said.

 

Police Reserve Officers, Ambassadors and Cadets welcome visitors, answer questions and point out parking spaces. There are more than 2,800 free parking spaces in Hastings public and private parking lots, plus free street parking.

 

Cyclists will collect some $34,000 in cash and prizes, trophies and medals in an awards ceremony for top finishers. The Founders Street Party features street bonfires, music and food trucks and other vendors, as well as the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance beer tent with kegs of Founders Ale from 11a.m. to 6 p.m. on race day

 

Other than Summerfest, Barry-Roubaix is probably the city’s largest annual event with the most participants and spectators.  With the now year-round draw of the course for cyclists, Barry-Roubaix related activities may even exceed Summerfest in bringing folks to the community, Mansfield said.   

The Barry-Roubaix is a participating race in the Michigan Gravel Race Series.

 

Photo: Bicyclists gathering for the start of another wave in an earlier Roubaix.

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