John Rees

I have learned from the Chapel Hill Cycling group as well as from the Tri-Cyclists web site that the Meadowmont Criterium will no longer be held. This is truly a shame. Having been held for the last 5 years, this exciting race had become a tradition in the early racing season. The recent addition of speed bumps on some of the streets that made up the course is the reason the race can no longer be held.

Unlike a lot of flat, boring races held in parking lots, the Criterium was held on the streets of the Meadowmont community in Chapel Hill. The course was challenging and had lots of features.

The start/finish straight was on a downhill so the spectators saw the bikes speed by, nearly at maximum speed. At the end of this straight, there was sweeping downhill turn that lead onto a wide boulevard. Because of the width of the turn, some competitors could take the turn without touching the brakes. It was a test of skill and bravery. There were two significant climbs on the course as well. Some sharp right angle turns and a weaving section that connected the two climbs. Riders were challenged over the entire length of the course, and the climbs served to burn the legs, and thin out the pack for the final lap of the race. I participated in the race one year, as a beginner Cat 5 racer. I am glad I got a crack at this unique event.

I don’t know how the organizers pulled it off in the first place; Entire streets in the neighborhood would be closed to vehicles during the various classes of races, which lasted the better part of the day. But for fives years, they managed to pull it off, and the race gained a respectable reputation. It is a shame that ‘road furniture’ such as speed bumps, are even required in a neighborhood full of children, walkers and joggers, but the residents of the community must have felt they were necessary. I will miss this race, as I am sure some of my fellow cyclists will as well.