Planning Has Begun 2012 Tour of Washtenaw

Planning for the second annual has already begun. 

At the May 16 meeting, Downtown Director Art Trapp gave council an informal report on the event.

"A lot of things went right. Some things will be better next year," said Trapp.

He reported that 164 cyclists started the event. Only 139 crossed the finish line.

"The numbers were down a little from what we hoped for. The crummy weather the day before hurt us a little bit," Trapp said.

Most of the cyclists raced on the 55-mile course. The pro class raced on an 80-mile course. The races began at Liberty School and ended at the intersection of Henry and Ann Arbor street.

"The pro champion was Evan Mundy of Toronto. He had an average speed of 23-miles-per-hour. He had a lead of 15 seconds on Willis Road and it was down to four seconds on the final hill," Trapp said. "The women's pro rider (Amy Chapman) completed the course with an average speed of 18 miles per hour, and won by six tenths of a second. It was really close."

Trapp said weather hurt the "healthy living" themed expo downtown.

"The rain started at 7 (a.m.) and didn't quit until 2 (p.m.)," Trapp said.

Still, the event did bring people downtown.

"The restaurants were handing out coupons and they were being used," Trapp said. "I think this will be better next year."

John Waterman, of Program to Educate All Cyclists, coordinated a "bike rodeo" for kids. Children were also given a bicycle safety course and taught the proper way to wear a helmet. Each of the children who participated received a helmet.

"More than 64 kids came through the program during the rain. And I think there were a lot of neighborhood kids who made their way downtown," said Waterman.

Max Sorel and Makayla McNally-Palmer won bicycles, provided to the expo at no cost by Wheels in Motion. Both were presented with the bikes at the council meeting.

Trapp noted that 80 volunteers helped out with the event, setting up barricades, directing traffic at intersections and driving along with cyclists.

The Tour of Washtenaw was sponsored by the City of Saline, the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce, the Ann Arbor Visitor's Bureau, Flatout Bread and Crankcase.