Story posted Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Meeting To Discuss City Bike Race
A bike race in Des Plaines where local residents and professionals would compete for prizes and fun?
That possibility will be discussed at a public meeting on Monday, Nov. 30 in city hall at 7 p.m.
Ald. Dan Wilson (7th) Monday night said that local resident Tom Olsen, a biking enthusiast and a member of American Bicycle Racing (ABR), recently approached him about the city hosting a local race. Wilson said he became intrigued with the idea and set up the Nov. 30 meeting where interested residents can discuss the subject.
"It will be an exploratory meeting," said Wilson.
Olsen, a member of ABR for 20 years, said he wants to see if Mayor Marty Moylan and the city are willing to work with ABR about organizing up to eight hours of racing in the city.
One idea is to hold the races in the Villas neighborhood because of its circular configuration.
However, Olsen said that might not be practical because the street pavement may not be smooth enough for speeding bicyclists.
"I'd certainly like to encourage schools to become involved," said Olsen. ABR, he said, begins its outdoor racing as early as March. It's likely that should an event be held in Des Plaines, it would be conducted in the spring or summer.
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