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Garrett Wonders Race in Downtown Columbus

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
7th Annual Garrett Wonders Memorial Bike Race coming to Downtown Columbus
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07/16/2010-Downtown Columbus streets will come alive Sunday, August 1st with the excitement of European style road racing as elite cyclists from throughout the Midwest and beyond wind through the capitol city streets.
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“Columbus is earning a reputation as one of the nation’s top up-and-coming bike cities,” Mayor Coleman said. “We are looking forward to hosting as many as 300 national class racers and thousands of spectators. As Mayor, I am also very excited that Downtown Columbus will be hosting its first bike race in many years.”
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The start /finish line located on High street in front of the State House is the site of registration which begins at 7am. Morning races will feature lycra clad men and women on high performance racing bikes of varying ages and abilities ranging from former national champions to 12 year old first time racers. Afternoon races focus on community bicyclists with everything from free children’s races to beginner fat tire adult races
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“Our goal is to introduce men and women of all ages and abilities to the joy and excitement of  bicycle racing at an exciting venue.” said volunteer organizer, Kurt Lehmkuhl, “and to raise money for the Garrett Wonders Memorial Fund.”
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The Garrett Wonders Memorial Bike Race is held in the memory of Garrett Wonders, a 25 year-old OSU graduate, veteran and member of the Armed Forces cycling team, and an Olympic hopeful, who was tragically struck and killed by a car while on a training ride in 2004. The race raises money to promote cycling safety, awareness and provides an annual scholarship to a member of the OSU cycling club of which Garrett was president before graduating with Masters in Nuclear Engineering.
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This year’s 7th Annual Garrett Wonders Memorial Bike Race expands to two-days. The weekend begins in Uptown Westerville at 21 South State Street, on the Saturday, July 31st with races running from 8 am to 12:30 pm. The second day moves to Downtown Columbus on Sunday, August 1st. The course begins on High Street in front of the Statehouse heading north, to Broad. Broad turns west, downhill before reaching the river and turning south onto Civic Center Drive. This flat slightly curving two lane road contours the river until the course takes a tight left hand corner onto the three blocks of new uphill granite cobbles of Town Street, making a steep little climb before reaching the level asphalt of High Street, back to the start finish line in front of the State House.
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Though the race attracts racers from as far away as South Carolina and Quebec, there is something for the whole family with free street sprints for children ages 2-10 years of age with all entrants receiving free Jeni’s ice cream and Community Fat tire race for anyone with a bike who wants to give the course a try with gift certificates awarded for Tip Top, who will be open to cater to racers of all types after the event.  Visit www.garrettwondersrace.com.  for more information.
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CONTACT:
Kurt Lehmkuhl
Garrett Wonders Memorial Fund
614-381-9047
ktlehmkuhl@hotmail.com

Photos of Both Days

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

BikeColumbus Festival Photos from Friday’s Swap and Twilight Ride and Saturdays Barbour Memorial Tour.

BikeColumbus at Crew Stadium

BikeColumbus at Crew Stadium

BikeColumbus Barbour Tour

BikeColumbus Barbour Tour

Festival Information

Friday, July 16th, 2010

For registrations made after July 9, you may want to bring your electronic transaction receipt as proof of payment.

BIKE COLUMBUS FESTIVAL

Helpful Information


Twilight Ride, Friday July 16th; 6-10 pm

Where is the event?

Columbus Crew Stadium; 1 Black and Gold Blvd; Columbus, OH 43211

Where do I park?

Parking is Free at Crew Stadium, lot specifics are at http://www.crewstadium.com/?s=parking

What time do we start?
  • Please join us for pre-ride festivities starting at 6 pm or come as early as 3 pm and enjoy the Ineedabike Swap activities.
  • Whether you choose the 20 mile route or the 9 mile neighborhood ride, both will get started at 8 pm.
  • We’ll have the riders for the longer ride start first, then the 9 mile ride so we can assist riders along the route of their choosing.
  • Thanks to the Westerville Bike Club and others, we will have plenty of volunteers along the route to keep riders safe and to assure everyone makes the correct turns.
Where are the rest and food stops?
Rest stop for 20 mile ride at McFerson Commons, 218 West Street at the Union Arch. Beverages, snacks. Light meal for both rides, Crew Stadium.

The fun of any ride is the Goody Bag, what SWAG can we expect?

At the event…

  • Please visit the Crew table to pick up your hat and Crew Game Ticket which is free to registered riders. The game date is August 28 versus FC Dallas.
  • Get pumped for the Twilight ride by visiting the TREK table and get your cool bicycle blinkie tail light!
  • When you check in, we’ll have you sign an emergency contact form and you’ll receive a goody bag with a few more surprises.

Our Requests:

  • This is a ride at Twilight, so take steps to “Be Seen” like using a bike light, even a flashlight and duct tape works!  Wear reflective clothing and maybe even get creative with glow sticks and such!
  • Adults and Youth must wear helmets.  (If needed, loaner helmets will be available) Let’s demonstrate rider safety as we’re Cranking it Up through the streets of Columbus!

Steve Barbour Memorial Tour,  Saturday July 17th; 7 am – 5 pm

Where is the event?

Downtown Columbus, McFerson Commons, 218 West St, Columbus, OH 43215

(The park with the Union Station Arch on Nationwide Blvd)
Where do I park?
Arena District parking (pre-paid pass available)


What should I bring with me?

Your Registration Packet with maps / cue sheets and WRISTBAND provided.

Please Don’t Forget your HELMET!

Always a good idea to carry a form of ID, (when bicycling)

Bike and Bike gear, i.e. Shoes, Spare Tube, Sun Protection, and potentially rain jacket / gear (DOW)

Water Bottle(s) for Bike

* Water provided at Park

Can I bring a Friend or Family Member to ride with me?

Yes, “Day of Ride” signups for all routes are available from 7:00am to 9:00am at the Registration Tent. You can also sign up prior to Day of Ride at any of the three Columbus BikeSource locations.

If desired, please have Friend or Family Member arrive in plenty of time to leave with you. Let them know to bring $30.00 for “Day of Ride” Registration fee.

What time do I need to be ready to ride?

  • Rider Check In:                   7:00am – 9:00am
  • Early Light Breakfast Snacks & Coffee Provided
Will all route distances be leaving at the same time?
No, the scheduled start times for the 4) Route Options are:
  • 200K and 150K Rider Start:  7:30am
  • 100K Rider Start:                 8:30am
  • 50K Rider Start:                   9:30am
What is the easiest way to follow the route I have chosen?
You will have multiple methods to KEEP YOU ON the Route!
  • Road Markings – All routes will have road markings that are visible in the form of WHITE painted stamps (see Signs at Registration Tent on Day of Ride). The flame at the end of the candlestick will mark the direction of your route, with any route turnoffs clearly identified.
  • Maps – Provided in your Reg. packet.
  • Cue Sheets – Provided in your Reg. packet.
Where are the Lunch/Snack Stops?
  • Lockbourne: YMCA Hoover Park – Available to 50K Riders ONLY
    Hours of Operation: 10:00am – 2:00pm
  • Circleville: Ted Lewis Park – Available to 100K Riders for Lunch Stop
& 150K, 200K Riders for a Lunch and Return Snack Stop

Hours of Operation: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Adelphi: Adelphi United Methodist Church – 200K Rider Lunch Stop ONLY
    Hours of Operation: 10:30am – 2:00pm
If I do one of the Barbour Memorial shorter routes, will I need to find transportation back to McFerson?
No, all routes regardless of distance will START and END at McFerson Commons in the Arena District and will be round trip loops. There is a small portion of the return route (except 50K) that will overlap the same route out of Ted Lewis Park. The split for the return route is at S. Bloomfield Royalton. You simply stay on Walnut Creek for the return loop back into Columbus. (See Cue Sheets for exact turn by turn directions.)
There will be Support Vehicles (SAGs) driving all routes in order to assist you with any help you may need.

What happens if I get a flat tire while on the Ride?
The Steve Barbour Memorial Tour is a fully supported ride with coverage for mechanical failures and other minor incidents via our SAG vehicles to make sure you arrive back to McFerson Commons park safely.
How do I identify a SAG vehicle should I need assistance?
Look for large SAG magnetic signs on the SAG vehicles along the route. They are experienced support personnel and will be on the lookout for any mechanical or rider malfunctions.
What happens after we complete our 1rst BikeColumbus, Steve Barbour Memorial Tour?
Return to McFerson Park to enjoy the festivities of the day with a nice relaxing massage to ease those achy muscles, pickup your BikeSource / Specialized ice cold water bottle directly in front of the Arch, a bottle of EAS Myoplex or sample of MonaVie. Scamper over into the park for a delicious bite to eat while enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow cyclists for a “ride well done” and a thank you from Consider Biking, BikeSource and Columbus Outdoor Pursuits for your participation and support.

How do I make a donation to the Steve Barbour Memorial fund?
Please make all checks payable to: Consider Biking with Steve Barbour Memorial Fund in the Memo line. You will receive a receipt for your donation within 4) weeks.


Ineeda Bike Swap, Friday July 16th; 3 pm – 7 pm

Where is the SWAP?

VIP Tent on the plaza at Columbus Crew Stadium; 1 Black and Gold Blvd; Columbus, OH 43211

What is it?

Bicycling buyers and sellers unite! For buyers, the Ineeda Bike Swap is your chance to find deals on the parts, bikes, and accessories you need to keep rolling. For sellers, you can lighten your gear load and make someone’s day by offering great stuff. Don’t miss this great event packed with private sellers, big name bike shops, educational seminars, plus food and beverages!

Who is selling?

An updated list of the vendors can be viewed at http://www.bikecolumbusfestival.com/events/bike-swap/


Garrett Wonders Criterium, Sunday August 1, 12 – 7 pm

The Garrett Wonders Criterium is an exciting race which transforms the Downtown riverfront District into a bicycle racing wonderland for everyone from beginners to professionals.

Details and Registration link can be viewed at http://www.bikecolumbusfestival.com/events/criterium/


Other Questions:

What will be done with the money that is raised from the Bike Columbus Festival?

All proceeds from the various events will support bicycling initiatives via two organizations.  The Institute for Active Living at Columbus Public Health works to increase access to physical activity and nutritious food, to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic. It supports everthing from community gardens and local food systems to physical fitness equipment and bike safety. Consider Biking will use proceeds to support safety and awareness campaigns for cyclists on our roads.
The Steve Barbour Memorial Fund will be used to provide education, encouragement and infrastructure needs to increase safety of bicyclists on our roads.

I have friends/relatives/coworkers who are interested, What should they do?

We have online registration open until late on Wednesday July 14 and folks can register onsite for $30 for either ride (or $50 for the combo of Twilight + Barbour Memorial Tour)

Details at http://www.bikecolumbusfestival.com/register/

Cash and Checks are the only acceptable payment methods onsite,

please plan accordingly.


Contact the Festival Team

For more information about the BikeColumbus Festival, you can reach us by phone or email.

Phone:    Consider Biking @ 614-447-8894 (weekdays 9am – 6pm)

Barb Seckler @ 614-645-4798 (weekdays 8am – 6pm)

Email: bikecolsfest@considerbiking.org or bjseckler@columbus.gov

Web: www.considerbiking.org

We <3 our Volunteers!

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

If our volunteer turnout at the festival is anything like the motivated bunch that showed up for Sunday’s packet stuffing, I am sure we will be in great hands!

In the spirit of Comfest, I’d love to print all the volunteers names here, but since we didn’t OK it with each person (to post their name), let me recognize our three main groups supplying the volunteers.

Columbus Gives Back at www.columbusgivesback.org

Columbus Outdoor Pursuits at  www.outdoor-pursuits.org

Westerville Bike Club at  www.westervillebicycleclub.org


COP Lobo

Westerville Bicycle Club

Consider Biking Volunteers

Time to hit the Bike Shops!

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Today begins packet pickup for all pre-registered riders.

  • Any registered and paid riders should have received an email reminder instructing you to go to the Bike Store you designated for packet pickup.
  • If you did not receive that email, it is possible your online registration did not complete all the way to payment.  If you have a paypal confirmation email, it is a good idea to bring a copy to the bike shop (or for onsite pickup).  The paypal confirmation is your proof  of completed payment.
  • Riders who registered after Friday, July 9 @ 3pm are expected to pickup your packet at the event; or it can be picked up at the store after verification of payment.  (A paypal receipt or the store can call Consider Biking staff.)

IN-STORE REGISTRATION:

If you still want to get the pre-registration price, you can visit one of our 4 participating stores for in store registration.

Cash or Check (paid to ‘Consider Biking’) are the payment options in the store.

In Store Registrations (WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY ONLY):

  • Bike Source Sawmill: 4840 Sawmill Road, Columbus – (614) 459-1200
  • Bike Source Clintonville: 2887 North High Street, Columbus – (614) 262-4998
  • Bike Source Westerville: 591 South State Street, Westerville – (614) 891-6280
  • Trek Lane Ave: 1442 W. Lane Ave, Columbus 614.486.TREK (8735)

Looking forward to seeing you and your BIKE at the Bike Columbus Festival!

Let’s Crank it Up at Crew Stadium!

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Crew Forward Steven Lenhart & Columbus Mayor Micheal Coleman invite you to Crank it Up at the July 16th Twilight Ride!

Video Production is courtesy of Your Story Everywhere.

Steve Barbour Memorial Challenge Tour

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

Ineeda Bike Swap is Growing!

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Go to the Ineeda Bike Swap page to find out what vendors have signed up to join us  out at Columbus Crew Stadium from 3 pm to 7 pm to buy and sell new and used bikes, parts and accessories. But remember, we’re getting vendors faster we can post their logos on the swap web page! For example: Surplus Russ from Gallant, Alabama, will be joining us and we still gotta get his logo!

The Ineeda Bike Swap isn’t a place only for bike dealers. If you’ve got parts, bikes and accessories making your garage uninhabitable, you can be a bike dealer for a day. Go to our Registration Page for details and sell–and buy–your bike stuff here.

Crank it up!

Event Supporters

Monday, June 28th, 2010

We’d like to acknowledge our event suppporters who are providing goods and services for the Bike Columbus Festival.  This list is in addition to our event sponsors listed at the bottom of the home page.

EVENT SUPPORTERS (updated reguarly as event nears):

Twilight Ride Location provided by The Crew Stadium

Crew Stadium

Coffee for the morning of the Barbour Memorial Tour provided by Sunny Street Cafe.

Post-ride meal for the Barbour Memorial Tour provided by Cafe Brioso.

PSA announcements provided by CD101

Gourmet pizza provided by Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza

Reusable Gift Bags by Blues Creek Farms at the North Market


Gift bag goodies from Institute for Active Living
Food provided by Danny’s Deli

Public Service Announcement Production by Y.S.E. Your Story Everywhere

Treats at the Barbour Memorial by Pattycake Bakery and on twitter @pattycakebakery

pattycake bakery

pattycake bakery

Marketing and Social Media assistance by YELP Columbus Community.

Volunteer Meetups

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
We invite you to an optional volunteer meetup for the Bike Columbus Festival:
  • Tuesday June 29th, 6pm: Volunteer Organizational Meeting
  • Sunday July 11, 6 – 8 pm: Packet Stuffing  (you can just pick up your shirt or stay and stuff)
Meetups held at Consider Biking; 4041 North High Street, Suite 201
We appreciate any assistance you can give.  If you cannot make it to one of the meetings, but want to help, make sure to sign up on the “Volunteer at the Bike Columbus Festival Online Form“.