The Cherry-Roubaix Celebrating Cycling

Aug. 7, 2015

 

At 9am on a Sunday morning, hundreds of cyclists will line up on Traverse City’s Front Street to embark on a full-day celebration of bicycling, scenery, local food and drink.

Sound like fun? That's the whole idea behind Cherry-Roubaix, the Traverse City cycling event that offers road space to cyclists of all abilities and throws in a big, fun bash to look forward to at the end.

IMPORTED RACE

The first Cherry-Roubaix was held seven years ago, but its origins stretch even farther back.

"Its namesake was taken from the legendary Paris-Roubaix race that’s been held on the cobbled roads of northern France and Belgium since 1896," explained board member/organizer Craig Webb. Webb is an accomplished cyclist affiliated with the Hagerty team, and he’s been winning and placing in races all summer.

"Our first Cherry-Roubaix was held on the brick roads in downtown Traverse City and then through challenging Leelanau County," he said.

This year, the race has changed its format to a Gran Fondo, which is a method of race structuring that allows several different lengths of race so that cyclists of all ages and experience levels can participate, from newbies to long-time experts (race times are monitored via timing chips attached to each cyclist.)

TRIPLE THREAT

There are three courses, starting with the 25-mile "easy" course that follows the traffic-free TART trail north among vineyards, then leads south along Lake Leelanau. The 55- and 80-mile courses are timed events that can be ridden at a leisurely pace, raced as an individual, or raced as a five-person team.

"Many of the most challenging climbs in Leelanau County are included: Inspiration Point, Trumball, Hvlaka, Mountain Road and many others," Webb said. "Those wanting to compete for prizes, can. Those who want to pace with a great group of cyclists will be able to do that, as well."

Participants in the event are united by the joy of cycling; one Cherry-Roubaix goal is simply to maximize enjoyment of the sport. While all cyclists will have individual goals in mind, they’ll also be surrounded by hundreds of fellow like-minded athletes. The other common element is the unique universal start of all three courses in downtown Traverse City.

GRAN FONDO!

"As with most Gran Fondos, starting this way is more of a big spectacle," explained Tim Barrons. Barrons also races for Hagerty and serves as media director for the event.

"Everybody begins at mostly the same time, with just a small break between groups," he said. "So we’ll have a huge mass of people at the start of the race, all rolling out of town together. We’re closing off Front Street and cruising out onto the parkway, which is just such a cool thing for people to be able to do!" The new team competition adds another element of contest and strategy to this year’s ride.

"The final time for your team will be based on your slowest person across the finish line," Barrons said. And then there’s the finish line itself.

There will be water and food stations positioned strategically along the route, with the 25-mile ride even offering stops at Leelanau wineries, but the big payoff is at the end.

CELEBRATING CYCLISTS

While the Paris-Roubaix winner is gifted a sett (cobblestone) as part of his/her prize, the Cherry-Roubaix won't be digging chunks from TC’s roads for their top finishers. They will, however, be handing out special prizes for the top individuals and teams in the 55- and 80-mile contests, and everyone will get to celebrate their cycling efforts.

"The finish venue is the Brengman Brothers Crain Hill Vineyards," confirmed Webb. "So, after the race, you'll be invited to celebrate, listen to live music, enjoy local food and drinks, and take in the best our region has to offer!" "I don't get to compete as much as I used to, so for me, it's a thing of pride to be part of this cycling event," Barron added. "I’m most excited that we're opening it up to people who aren't necessarily racers. People who just want to take a 25-mile ride and end up at the same finish line can do it, too. I think that's what's coolest about it."

The 2015 Cherry-Roubaix will take place Sunday, Aug. 19. More race information and registration can be found at cherry-roubaix.com. Early registration is encouraged.