Tullahoma Rotary Club

Sports Challenge 2002

2002 Tullahoma Noon Rotary Club Bicycle Race July 13, 2002

The Tullahoma Noon Rotary Club, in conjunction with the Highland Rimmers Bicycle Club and the Mach Tenn Running Club, will hold their Annual Sports Challenge on July 13 at the Motlow College Campus. The cycling events start at 8:00 a.m. with the entry level licensed women’s race, followed by an entry level licensed men’s race combined with age 55+ racers. These participants will race for 30 miles through the hills of Moore and Bedford County with the start/finish at the Motlow Campus. They will do 2 laps on a 13 mile loop through the Raus, Hilltop and Bottle Hollow areas off Hwy 130. The Citizens race which goes 17 miles on the same course, doing one lap, is for individuals not competing in the licensed racing categories. All races are held under USA Cycling rules which have many requirements to ensure the safety of the racers and individuals they may encounter on the race course.

After completion of these races, at 10 a.m., approximately 50 Professional Racers from throughout the Southeast U.S. will race 4 laps on the same course for a total distance of 56 miles. Reaching speed of 50 mph and averaging up to 25 mph on this grueling course, safety is the number one issue for event organizers and the USA Cycling Officials on the course. These experienced cyclists, with years of experience, are able to maintain this fast pace safely. However, in the event of an injury, 2 ambulances are on the course ready to assist. Two other events for experienced men and women racing for a distance of 43 miles start following the Professionals. These racers are on the course at the same time spread out around the 13 mile loop.

Over 250 racers are expected again this year. For more information about the cycling events go to www.tbra.org or www.host.fptoday.com/restn/hrbc/bikeclub.asp. To register on line go to www.active.com. Registration forms for the cycling events are available at Woody’s Bicycles in Winchester, or Medical Home Health Care, 1970 N Jackson St. in Tullahoma. This event is made possible by the generous financial support of the member of the Tullahoma Noon Rotary Club, the businesses they represent, and other local businesses.