Evanston Grand Prix to return to Superweek
Jun 8
2011
Filed in: Race news, Superweek,


Comments (63)

By Luke Seemann

The Evanston Grand Prix, which had been scheduled for Aug. 21 and slated to be on the National Racing Calendar, will instead take place Sunday, July 17, and be a part of Superweek, its home since it made its debut in 2007.

The move follows an injunction Breakaway Event Productions sought in Cook County Chancery Court against Turin Bicycle and Chris Mailing, who had organized the race in previous years and who had sought to run it independently in 2011. In its filing, Breakaway claimed Mailing had agreed to run an Evanston criterium for Superweek in 2011 and 2012. To avoid litigation costs, Mailing said, the parties agreed to a settlement in late May that is scheduled to be finalized soon. As part of the settlement, Mailing will organize the Evanston Grand Prix as part of Superweek in 2011. Moving forward, Breakaway will own rights to the name "Evanston Grand Prix," and starting in 2012 Mailing will be free to promote his own race in Evanston. The July race will not be an NRC race. The August date had the potential to draw blockbuster fields, with the men's national championship and a women's NRC race taking place the day before in Grand Rapids, Mich. Reached for comment, Breakaway's Andy Garrison said: "I am glad that we were able to work things out with Chris Mailing, and we look forward to producing the Evanston Grand Prix for its fifth year."

Comments

1.

Jun 8
2011

12:13 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Team Pegasus)

My sympathies to the good folks at Turin, it’s a great shame that they’ve been blackmailed into running this event for Breakaway.

2.

Jun 8
2011

12:13 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Rhythm Racing)

Thanks to Superweek for making the event less appealing….

3.

Jun 8
2011

12:22 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Way to go Garrisons. I’m sure the 2011 Superweek will go off without a hitch just like it did last year, and the year before that, and the year before that, and the year before that…

Best of luck to Chris Mailing and Turin in 2012.

4.

Jun 8
2011

12:29 pm

J/tati (Team TATI)

I’m just happy that we still get to race that course at all.

5.

Jun 8
2011

12:45 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Half Acre Cycling)

that’s total bullshit

6.

Jun 8
2011

12:46 pm

psimet's avatar

psimet (PSIMET - hell on wheels.)

Don’t even know what to say at this point.

7.

Jun 8
2011

12:59 pm

nixternal

I would say boycott it, but lord knows the Superweek people would remove Illinois from their schedule. Kudos to Chris and Turin for trying!

8.

Jun 8
2011

1:13 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Team Higher Gear)

It might be libelous to say this but I heard that anyone promoting a bike race in southern Wisconsin has to pay a little extra to the Sheriff’s department because Superweek didn’t pay their bills a couple of years ago. I think that the Sheriff made a deal with the WCA and ABR to pay Superweek’s bill or be stymied in their efforts to put on any races. I wonder if this “tax” has anything to do with the number of Superweek races taking place in IL this year?

9.

Jun 8
2011

1:15 pm

psimet's avatar

psimet (PSIMET - hell on wheels.)

Unfortunately boycotting any event at this point probably would do more damage than good.

Could undercut efforts for 2012, could actually cost Turin some $$ - after all they are still promoting it this year it is now simply in StooperWeak.

Jensen summed it up nicely, and while most of you know I am always down for a good fight - I’m just sick of seeing people doing good things for the sport being poop’d on.

10.

Jun 8
2011

1:26 pm

Tim Speciale (Enzo's Racing)

Thanks for the reporting Luke.  I had noticed the date changes but was oblivious to the rest of this.

11.

Jun 8
2011

1:33 pm

Luke Seemann's avatar

Luke Seemann (XXX Racing-AthletiCo)

Rob is right. Any boycott could hurt Turin more than Superweek—not to mention deprive yourselves of what could still be a fine day of racing.

12.

Jun 8
2011

1:39 pm

Tim Speciale (Enzo's Racing)

The situation sucks…but I’ll still be there…

13.

Jun 8
2011

1:43 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Rhythm Racing)

There is this great series up north (http://www.tourofamericasdairyland.com). 
Just saying that they might deserve your business as they do things the right way. They will get my business next weekend.

14.

Jun 8
2011

1:44 pm

julie p. (Half Acre Cycling)

considering their reputation for non-payment of bills and writing rubber checks, how the heck could they afford lawyers and court fees?  talk about some screwed up priorities.

15.

Jun 8
2011

2:27 pm

Liam.Donoghue (Natural Grocers)

Rob, you should totally step in, resurrect the Aug 21 date, run a race called the “Evanston Gran Prix” using the same course, and somehow work things out with USA Cycling so that it’s still on the NRC calendar. That’d be pretty awesome.

Speaking of, does USAC come out and say anything about this when NRC races disappear because of lack of funding/court injuctions? Or are they just sort of at the mercy of what goes on with promoters once they set the NRC dates?

16.

Jun 8
2011

2:47 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Project 5)

like I’ve always said….“StoopidWeek!”

17.

Jun 8
2011

2:54 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Unattached)

You people act like Superweek has been screwing up Evanston since its inception.  I get the Superweek complaints… I have many of them myself.  If Evanston signed a multi-year contract to put on Superweek races (which did seem to be the case as of last year), shouldn’t they follow through with their contract?  The injunction and subsequent settlement would seem to suggest they should.

Maybe not.  What do I know, really.

I’ll still be racing that weekend… the Morton Crit looks like it should be a great time!

18.

Jun 8
2011

3:07 pm

psimet's avatar

psimet (PSIMET - hell on wheels.)

Liam - I would…alas I have an aversion to lawyers - MJH can attest to that. ;)

Matt - I have no idea what anyone promised or what contracts were signed, but seeing as how the Stupid Weak schedule seems to never be set until the last minute I can’t see how the Garrisons could have possibly locked anything down over a year in advance.  Besides I thought they much preferred the empty promise/Chicago wink style of agreements as opposed to stuff things like “contracts”.

My guess (stress on guess…I have nothing else to do right now except maybe build wheels) would be that the issue was the use of the same name and the Garrisons’ belief that somehow they held the rights to that. 

Kind of like if someone had used the name, “Fox River Grove Cycling Challenge” for a race this year.  If someone were stupid enough to use that I would imagine that a certain promoter would have a problem with that.

Don’t think he would have sued over it though as he’s most likely saving money to help put on some great events next year….

...I need a drink…

19.

Jun 8
2011

3:16 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Unattached)

Maybe the Superweek schedule is always up in the air because promoters who promised to put on races decide they won’t?  I don’t know.

I can’t say anything concrete about contracts. I was, however, at a public presentation by the superweek folks prior to superweek last year and they indicated excitement that Evanston had signed on for 3 (I believe) years.  If that is the case (which, again, is consistent with what has happened with this settlement), then the burden sure does seem like it should have been on the Evanston promoters to work this out before committing to the NRC.

It’s all a bit of speculation, of course.  Seems to me the Superweek folks are getting an unfair shake in these comments.  Maybe it’s not entirely their fault.

20.

Jun 9
2011

7:03 am

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (2CC)

There was no contract whatsoever.  It was not feasible to fight and pay to win so it was agreed to put on one more year. The Garrison’s are not getting an unfair shake at all with the comments…they get exactly what they have sown since they took over Superweek.  I’m sure Turin greatly appreciates everyone’s support this year and beyond.

21.

Jun 9
2011

8:56 am

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Burnham Racing)

I’ll never do another Superweek race; overpriced garbage thrown together at the last minute by incompetents.

It’s easy for me to say, since I’m not racing this year…but if I were I’d still do Evanston just to support Turin.

Show your support and boycott these thugs.

22.

Jun 9
2011

9:48 am

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Milwaukee Wheelman)

MJH had it write with his speculation, ofcourse he is an attorney.  I want you to know that I have seen the fully executed three year agreement between Breakaway and Turin. It’s a three year agreement, 2010, 2011, and 2012. Breakaway produced the race as the promotor and Turin was just a local organizer with limited responsibility. Breakaway completed year one of the agreement. Please stop this silliness! I have been to Super Week the last two years and they was some great racing.

23.

Jun 9
2011

10:04 am

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Milwaukee Wheelman)

As a follow up! I am going to get a copy of the Law Suit, Contract, Injuction, and Court Order to dispell this Silliness. This is all listed online with Cook County. I will guess that Turin did want this to come out. I just spoke with Michael Garrison who told me that Evanston does not have a title sponsor and that North Shore Hospital backed out months ago for both races. So I say how would Turin even begin to think about paying the expenses on August 21st as a stand alone race. I helped Otto with Super Week for many years and these guys are doing a great job. It’s not easy to put in a series like SW! Back off and support the sport!! We need all the support we can get. I was talking last year with riders from out of town and they all told me how lucky we are to have two great series like ToAD and SW. Let’s not take this for granted!

24.

Jun 9
2011

10:05 am

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Project 5)

I’m with Matt 100% in his statement “overpriced garbage thrown together at the last minute by incompetents.” I have first hand knowledge of the Garrison’s lazy incompetance and history of burning bridges with municipalites. Those that don’t see are naive, not paying attention, and being taken for fools. I will race no Stoopidweek race EXCEPT Evanston, an that is only to support Chris Mailing. See you at ToAD!

25.

Jun 9
2011

10:54 am

J/tati (Team TATI)

In a year where several local races have seen drops of 20-40% in attendance, I wonder just how prudent it is to bash and boycott. If we keep losing a couple each year, the calendar’s going to start looking really sparse.

26.

Jun 9
2011

11:40 am

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

This does solve a scheduling issue: How to get to the Tour of Colorado AND see the Evanston Crits? I can now spend Sunday driving to Colorado. Sadly, I already have another event on July 17, so I will miss the Evanston event - which won’t be that exciting because the top riders can’t participate. Have fun without me!

27.

Jun 9
2011

12:08 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Unattached)

Which suburbs will have ToAD races this year?  I can’t find them on the schedule.  Or any local races on the schedule when Superweek is in town.  Superweek can be pricey… but is still a financial bargain compared to 4 hours of driving to Wisconsin.

Well, at least it is obvious where the Chicago area cycling community stands.  Seems pretty clear that, with such strong sentiment, we will finally have some brave souls organizing local races opposite Superweek next year.  Why just boycott, right? Go one step further.  Have your own race the same day. Surely everybody will come.

Give me a break.  All the negativity on here, and practically nobody willing to offer even a modicum of thankfulness for the 2+ weeks of racing across all categories?  There is nothing positive about superweek, and I’m a “fool” for looking forward to it I’m told.  I’m fine with my foolishness.

Again, I’ve got my superweek gripes.  Everybody does.  It’s not like superweek killed somebody’s puppy, though.  And, if Evanston was so awesome and superweek so bad, how was Evanston part of superweek to start?

When we’re done with the Superweek bashing, can we move on to use this semi-public forum to bash other events we’re lucky to have?  The Chicago Crit certainly had issues with getting payment out the first year.  Glad it’s not around anymore to ruin my summer!  Can we discuss?

That’s just the start, too. I’ve got plenty of gripes (some based on pure speculation, others based on stuff I think I might have heard from somebody who knows somebody who heard somebody say it once).  This is going to be great.

I heard that superweek is the likely successor to Osama.  All they do is ruin people’s lives.

28.

Jun 9
2011

12:32 pm

psimet's avatar

psimet (PSIMET - hell on wheels.)

Matt, I think the issue is that (without knowing the history of how it came about) Evanston was on the calendar for later and it was on the NRC calendar.  Instead of backfilling with another event/new venue into the now vacant Garrison grand Tour this little thing has occurred causing us to essentially lose an NRC race AND the other race that would have filled it’s spot in the SW calendar.

Sure I have gripes about Sup-a-palooza, but I would avoid advocating not supporting a bike race…unless it was a death trap, or they killed puppies (BTW - his name was Skippy and if it wasn’t a Garrison who did it then it happened from eating the Chocolate Cat 4 Cake Prime).

In a way I get a nice free pass.  I already stepped up and saved a cancelled race this year- I therefore have no problem throwing out my opinion.

Personally I hadn’t planned on racing much for ToAD or SW.  It’s summer and I have all sorts of weight to gain before cyclocross, but I do love having the racing around.

I bash in this case because it makes me sick to think of one promoter filing legal action against another to the detriment of the sport (we lose an NRC race). 

It’s actions like that which always make me wonder why people are promoting races: Is it for the sport/racing, or is it about the business.

Not saying there is anything wrong with either position but it’s just that I personally prefer to support those who do it for the sport.  I feel like that will result in the best long term outcome for the scene/community.

29.

Jun 9
2011

1:05 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Unattached)

I follow you, man.  It just seeems to me that the law suit might not be the beginning of the dispute, but the end.  It is possible (none of us actually know that):

1. Evanston agreed to hold the race through 2012

2. A legally binding agreement was formed (in writing, or not)

3. Breakaway relied on that agreement in further scheduling, approaching sponsors, pitching races to municipalities, etc

4. Evanston decided to pursue a “better” opportunity notwithstanding the agreement

5. Evanston was going to fail to live up to it’s promise or enter an appropriate legal settlement

What should the Garrison’s do when somebody promises to hold a race long-term and then decides not to?  Should they just scratch it from the schedule so that we can all bitch about how the schedule is never final?

Maybe Evanston should never have commit to the NRC without taking care of this first?  Is it possible this was the Evanston promoter’s mess to avoid, not Superweek’s?  I don’t know. I really don’t.

Neither do any of the other folks posting in these comments, which is why the one-sidedness is so weird.

30.

Jun 9
2011

1:05 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Burnham Racing)

Classic strawmen, MJH.  Even threw in Osama at the end there.  Maybe you can work Nazis into your next post somehow?
 
Too much negativity, MJH?  I’ll tell you what’s negative…getting an injunction served on you, that’s negative.  Another NRC race in Chicago lost (R.I.P. Downer’s Grove), that’s negative.

Superweek has been on the thinnest of ice with everyone I know for years now (remember Olympia Fields?).  Suing a race organizer?  Unforgivable.  The Garrisons will never get another dime from me.

Richard Haney:  Cook County doesn’t host documents online, so no, no you won’t be getting everything.  Maybe you can get a copy from your buddy Michael Garrison?  Jerry says there’s no contract and that’s good enough for me.

And Richard, you heard that EGP’s title sponsor pulled out a few months ago?  Interesting…that would coincide with the filing of the injunction.  Are you proud of that?

31.

Jun 9
2011

1:12 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Burnham Racing)

MJH - until we see a contract, you’re right—this is all a he-said-she-said.

It’s all a matter of credibility.  I, along with many other racers, have been lied to by Superweek and Breakaway.  Municipalities have been lied to by Superweek and Breakaway.  I’ve seen guys carted away with broken bones from Superweek “courses.”

Jerry says there was no contract.  Turin’s never lied to me.  Great shop.

Why wouldn’t I take Turin’s side?

32.

Jun 9
2011

1:24 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Unattached)

So, you’ve had strong feelings of dislike towards Breakaway that long pre-dates this conflict?  Sounds like it might be impossible for you to be objective, regardless if whether or not legal action had been instituted.

I was at Olympia Fields, too.  Biggest debacle in the history of bikes.  Thankfully USAC told us all it was safe, right?

33.

Jun 9
2011

1:32 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Burnham Racing)

More strawmen, MJH.  My objectivity is not the issue.  The officials at Olympia Fields is not the issue.

The issue is whether there was a contract, and what it says.  Agreed?

BTW, MJH, a “law suit” is what lawyers wear to court.

34.

Jun 9
2011

1:40 pm

psimet's avatar

psimet (PSIMET - hell on wheels.)

Nah…MJH wears bibs to court.  I guess that would make them more like a Law Chamois.  Wait, wha?

...so…who’s going to Galena?

35.

Jun 9
2011

1:44 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Unattached)

Well, if you’d like to get snippy you might want to learn what “straw man” means.  I think you’re confusing it with another logical fallacy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poisoning_the_well

I agree that whether or not there was a legally binding agreement is the issue.  Unlike what you previously wrote, however, it does not have to be in writing- or be “seen”.  I’m sure you know that, though, as I can almost see you in your “law suit” from here.

36.

Jun 9
2011

1:46 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Burnham Racing)

BTW…“Richard Haney (Milwaukee Wheelman)”

IS Superweek:

http://www.usacycling.org/clubs/index.php?club=1253

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ... andy garrison?

37.

Jun 9
2011

1:54 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Burnham Racing)

No, I meant strawman, and it applies.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawman

And I’m sure you realize a purported 3-year agreement falls within the Statute of Frauds and must be in writing to be legally binding. 

I might just cross the street and pull the file.  Maybe I’ll see you there?

38.

Jun 9
2011

2:10 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Unattached)

Well, you’re wrong on strawman.  That was classic ad-hominem

Nobody wants to hear two bike dorks arguing on the internet about the Statute of Fruads.  The lack of a written agreement (if there even is a lack) means nothing, though.  I’ll leave it at that.

Send over a copy of that file when you have it.

39.

Jun 9
2011

2:32 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Burnham Racing)

OK, I’m totally tongue-in-cheek at this point:

So you admit you are guilty of ad-hominem, sir?

hah!

40.

Jun 9
2011

8:26 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Unless you have promoted a bike race… you should stop the commentary.  Unless you have volunteered to make bike races better… Think of it this way, there is a race in Evanston.  Turin is promoting the race, and next year maybe there will be 2 races in Evanston!  Let’s ride!

41.

Jun 9
2011

8:42 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Milwaukee Wheelman)

Amen

42.

Jun 10
2011

12:24 am

psimet's avatar

psimet (PSIMET - hell on wheels.)

Hmm….yeah - at least 2 or 3 of us have promoted races….nice try.  We can still have opinions.

43.

Jun 10
2011

6:44 am

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (VQ)

[HEAD SHAKE]

-SIGH-

Ugh.

44.

Jun 10
2011

9:47 am

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Burnham Racing)

“Richard Haney,” you might reconsider posting here (on this issue), as it is clear that you are a Superweek/ICC associate of some sort.  Milwaukee Wheelman is the club that organized Superweek and has no riders.  I could be completely off-base, but I doubt it.  Haven’t seen you deny it. 

This is not my fight, and I don’t have any association with either Turin or Superweek other than being a “customer” of both from time to time.  My comments are my own personal opinion and based on my personal experiences.  I’m saddened whenever I see the court system used as a blunt force object.  Especially in regards to the sport I love. 

I took a look at the injunction and attachments this morning, and let’s just say the issue is a little more complicated that what has been presented here. 

I’ll just echo JSK’s comment: “Best of luck to Chris Mailing and Turin in 2012.”

As for “if you’re not a race promotor, shut up”?  Yeah, agree with psimet - we’re all entitled to our opinions.  For the record, however, I promoted, organized, secured sponsorship for a collegiate regional championship series, including a TT, Crit, and RR, in addition to running a collegiate team for 4 years.  That’s in addition to the stuff I’ve done recently - volunteering in various events, including my own teams’ SSC.

Is that enough, or are only those who have promoted a 2 week + event allowed to give an opinion?

45.

Jun 10
2011

10:16 am

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Unattached)

I’ll chime only to echo what Matt Smith said.  He was kind enough to allow me to see some of the legal documents.

It’s a lot more complicated than could be hashed out in these comments, that’s for sure.

I just want to race my bike.

46.

Jun 10
2011

1:05 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Milwaukee Wheelman)

Now you have quieted down since you had an opportunity to see the Law Suit, Injunction, Signed Three year contract for 2010, 2011, 2012, and The Court Order! I think that Breakaway Et Al deserves an apology. I just wish you would have shared it so I did not have to drive into downtown Chicago to look at all of the documents. I hope Turin keeps the terms and conditions of the court order and pays all of the financial obligations it owes Breakaway from prior years and this year.  As far as the Milwaukee Wheelmen, it is no secret that our club produced Super Week from 1969 to 2009 as a club race. The history of The Milwaukee Wheelman goes back to 1953 when Otto Wenz and Don Ware started the Wheelman with about 40 riders. The active club dissolved some years ago. Otto and the Garrison’s used it as a club to permit the race only from 1998 to 2009. In 2009 the club was officially dissolved. There are a few old timers that still help as volunteers for SW. Please in the future use actual facts for your arguments. None of this he said - she said stuff. It’s not productive. Best in Cycling, Rich - (The Milwaukee Wheelman) that’s my handle not Wheelmen.

47.

Jun 10
2011

1:26 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Milwaukee Wheelman)

Read what Mark Swartzendruber wrote about Super Week!
The 2010 Druber Awards
COMEBACK KID

The Druber Award for Comeback of the Year goes to the Andy Garrison and the International Cycling Classic, aka Superweek. Two years ago, if you’d asked me, I would have told you that Superweek would be dead by 2010. I would have been as wrong as Sean Hannidouche when he launched the “Stop Obamacare Express” vowing to stop Health Care Reform legislation. Superweek came a long way back to reclaiming its position as a “must” destination for racers all over the country. The Tour of America’s Dairyland and its quality venues and organization was a real wake up call for Superweek and the Garrsion Bros answered the bell in superlative fashion with excellent new venues and races that for the most part were started on time and prize money was paid out in a timely fashion. If they make the masters road races longer in 2011, the series will be back on top as the crown jewel of national racing.
I respect Mark immensely. He is very opinionated but he speaks the truth and from the heart. Not he said-she said BS. He is real, if you do something right he will tell you and if wrong he will certainly let you and everyone else know!

48.

Jun 10
2011

2:14 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Burnham Racing)

“Rich” - you drove from Milwaukee to Chicago to look at the documents?  I don’t know what to say, except that I don’t believe you.  I do think you know what the complaint/injunctions says though.  Maybe you’d like to share with everyone Mailing’s perspective from Exhibit B?

Wait…stop the presses.  Druber likes Superweek?

CASE CLOSED!

49.

Jun 10
2011

2:51 pm

Liam.Donoghue (Natural Grocers)

ABC cancelled some soap operas this year and I got really sad. But luckily CBR recently launched two of my new favorites, One Bike to Live, and Pawl My Children!

50.

Jun 10
2011

2:52 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Unattached)

I think you should make the filing public. (that was a joke)

Then, I’m sure, this post would rack up 234343 more comments and nobody would change their mind, anyway. (that part wasn’t a joke)

On a related note, I would just like to point out that I’m in the top 13 on http://rouleurderby.com/ so I am necessarily correct.  Unless somebody in the top 12 disagrees with me.

51.

Jun 10
2011

3:09 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Burnham Racing)

Liam and MJH - haha!

I really don’t want to stir up the pot anymore - I mean what I think or that guy thinks is moot anyways since the parties have settled. 

If people have a burning desire to see the docs I’ll share, I mean they are public documents, but out of respect for the settlement I’m not going to post the details here.

Last night I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express and ate a “nice meal.”  MJH knows what I’m talking about!

52.

Jun 13
2011

9:46 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Tati)

Anybody up for reconnoitering how a real race is run?

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/nrcs-tour-de-toona-confirms-six-stage-race-in-july

-keeping a crit to maintain interest when funding wasn’t available to do the full stage race properly; instead of all or nothing

-equal pay for women (and distances?!, and separate scoring for cat 3 & 4

-cooperation and dialogue with gov’t entities

-big purses

-use of the proper term to describe a multi-lap race longer than a 2 miles

-downtown finishes

-stacked field

-reasonable entry fees

And its all in the middle of nowhere.  City of 46,000.  Hell, its not even “Altoona” currently, this place is so small they sold their naming rights and are known as “Pom Wonderful Presents the Greatest Movie Ever Sold, PA” for 60 days for a fee of $25,000.  Serious issues over there, and they’re putting on a race that puts all of us to shame. 

MN too, I hear they’ve got a party going on this week up there.  World champions hitting the boards the last few days as an appetizer.  Minnesota!  Those people have funny accents…and are all so nice to everybody its creepy.

Let your legs do the talking on both sides of the barriers.  Chi cross cup 2009 style.  Blow it up.  Put us back on the map.  ToAD?  Yeah, that’s cool and its close by. Boston is close to NYC but you don’t see any pride being shared.

53.

Jun 14
2011

7:50 am

velocitykyle (xXx Racing)

Does anyone else remember the Fort Sheridan Crit?  1990 or 1991?  Is that course still an option for a team to take over the empty August weekend?

54.

Jun 14
2011

2:33 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Very much doubt the Fort Sheridan course would be available. Retired Rear Admiral George O’Connell secured the Fort Sheridan course around the parade grounds for the race.  (The first race went down the ravine!)  George was a cyclist, speed skater and an Official at the Olympic Games from 1952-1980.  George passed away in 1987, however, he made sure the Fort Sheridan course would be available.  This ended when Fort Sheridan was de-commissioned in the mid 90’s.  Except for two small parcels, Fort Sheridan is now privately owned residences.

55.

Jun 16
2011

8:41 pm

diabetic1 (Team MACK Racing)

I have been around the sport of cycling most of my life and have participated in Superweek for over 30 years. I have never had a problem with this event. I always looked forward to my annual trek to Wisconsin to race and hang with family and friends. I know what a task it is to manage and run races like Superweek as I have promoted large events in the past. How many of the critics can claim they have done the same?  Hats off to Mike and Andy Garrison. We appreciate your investment in the sport of cycling.

56.

Jun 22
2011

10:29 am

druber's avatar

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Scarletfire Racing)

I was just clued in on this thread about an hour ago when I was doing some recon for a Truepsport write up I’ll be posting next week.

Jeezus Matt Smith…beat dead horses much? 

“Jerry says there’s no contract and that’s good enough for me.”
Well, aparently there was - your personal bias not withstanding.

I like Chris Mailing.  Good guy.  He’ll hopefully be able to take over the Evanston crit and put it on the NRC calendar in 2013 and should be applauded for wanting to do so.  In the mean time Break Away puts on a great race in a great venue.  I don’t see how we as racers lose.

I’m with Gary on this - vitriol dircted at guys who give us two weeks worth of venues so we can play bike is mis placed and mis guided.

See you at Superweek guys

57.

Jun 22
2011

11:05 am

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

+1 for Druber and Diabetic 1. If you look @ Diabetic 1 palmares over his probably 40+ years of racing he would probably have more insight than 99% of us. 2 weeks of racing at $33 a race ($3 surcharge) is a great deal.

Superweek is the only place you can ride a 30-35 mile cat 3 crit. I have never had a check bounce from them and have always had positive conversations with the Garrison’s.

Rubber side down all.

58.

Jun 22
2011

1:15 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Burnham Racing)

druber - if a contract has been rescinded or terminated by it’s own terms, there’s no contract anymore, now is there?

Like I said before, it doesn’t really matter what you or I think…but for the record all I’m criticizing here is the tactic of involving the courts.

And druber?  We’re all biased one way or another.  Doesn’t matter up until the point that I’m the judge presiding over the case.

59.

Jun 22
2011

2:14 pm

druber's avatar

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Scarletfire Racing)

In additon to criticizing Superweek, the Garrison Bros, and Rich Haney (whom you basically inferred was a ficticious front - a nom de plum of Andy Garrison and a liar.  Classy…
http://apothegms.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/beating-a-dead-horse.jpg

60.

Jun 22
2011

2:40 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Burnham Racing)

Yeah, I’m the one beating a dead horse over a discussion that died almost two weeks ago.  People have opinions, man, get over it.

And really druber?  Do you want to go down the “classy” road with me?

61.

Jun 22
2011

3:29 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Unattached)

Just when I thought it had all been covered in this thread…  I guess it has not.  In an effort to contribute something new, I offer this rabbit with a cake on his head:

http://www.internet-memes.com/images/rabbithead/1184845956895.jpg

62.

Jun 22
2011

3:36 pm

Liam.Donoghue (Natural Grocers)

Have there ever been 100 comments on post, Luke?

63.

Jun 22
2011

6:27 pm

Spartacus (Team Beer'd)

I alwasy thought it was strange that a hospital sponsored a crit with a lot of crashes.
Sorta like a company that makes epo sponsoring a pro level tour.
Makes you wonder which comes first?

 

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