Rolling into Lodi

Rock Racing cyclist Rahsaan Bahati celebrates his victory at the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix in June. Bahati will be one of the favorites to win the men's professional race of Sunday's inaugural Lodi Cycle Fest — an event featuring eight competitive races and two "fun" races in Downtown Lodi. (Photograph courtesy of Lyne Lamourex)

Rolling into Lodi

This Sunday, Downtown will be swarmed with Cycle Fest riders

By Joelle Milholm
News-Sentinel Staff Writer

Friday, July 10, 2009 11:08 PM PDT

Comments (11 comment(s))

From beginners to professionals, from kids to adults on beach cruisers, cyclists will take over Downtown Lodi on Sunday for the first annual Lodi Cycle Fest.

Eight criterium races — which are multi-lap contests set up on a 0.8-mile, figure 8 course — highlight the inaugural event. The races will start and finish near the Pine and School streets intersection. They will range from 25 to 60 miles long and last from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Six of the rides are for amateur racers, while two are for pros. The professional races are expected to draw cyclists and spectators from all over California. There will also be a children's race (4-14) and an adult beach cruiser race. Both are free and open to the public.

More than $6,000 in cash as well as prizes will be awarded to the top riders. Two beach cruisers will also be raffled off to the public at 12:30 p.m. Race-day registration is accepted for all races.

"I think it is going to be good because the prize money is pretty good so local riders and some pro riders from some big teams in the U.S. are going to be showing up," said Andres Gil, a Stockton rider who is one of the favorites to win the men's professional race.

Former and current USA Cycling national champions Rahsaan Bahati, Ken Hanson and Daniel Holloway will also be in action in the men's pro race.

Race organizers are hoping 500 cyclists peddle in the event and 2,000 spectators roll Downtown to watch it. Admission is free and there will be vendors selling cycling gear and other products, as well as a DJ playing music and an announcer calling the races.

Gil, a Spanish teacher at Bear Creek High School, and his cycling squad Delta Velo Racing Team are putting on the race. They used to hold it in Stockton, but after a one-year absence last year, decided to relocate to Lodi.

Michael David Winery, the event's title sponsor, will host a VIP tent during the race and will provide food and wine for the riders. The winery will also be awarding prizes to the "7 Deadliest Riders," a tribute to the winery's wine, 7 Deadly Zins.

"We're excited to be a part of this cycling event in Lodi," said Mike Phillips, winery co-owner.

Reader Feedback

hollyberry1615 wrote on Jul 13, 2009 11:03 AM:

" " The problem is within the city. The Downtown Partnership is running the event but the Lodi police and other agencies are not cooperating. When I read that the local businesses want these events for business I have to laugh out loud. I am a vendor at the Thursday night market that is also bringing revenue to your town like the bike race. We are being harassed by the local police department and given tickets for trying to get into the event that we paid to get in to. It is obvious to me that there is hostility within the city and it is not supporting these events. It is one day for goodness sake. You will not have any more vendors to support your events if this keeps up. Call your city counsel and complain. " "

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Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Jul 12, 2009 11:03 PM:

" Although I avoided the downtown area today because of this event (I simply had no interest), why is it that anyone who voices an opinion against such a happening would find themselves being labeled as "sick?" Just when are contributors to this forum going to learn that in order to get their point across their incessant name-calling and negative labeling simply makes them look petty and small?

While I've always been a proponent of spirited debate, I will continue to suggest that those who cannot conduct themselves in a civil manner really should take a deep breath and think before clicking the "Post Comment" button. "

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Whoa Nellie! wrote on Jul 12, 2009 9:44 PM:

" First, GovAgent- get a life. The Post Office is closed on Sunday. You can drop your letters in ANY box throughout the city.

I went downtown to check it out myself, and rode my bike too. Smaller crowds than I would have expected, but it is the first year. Some shops were open, others closed. Judy Peterson at Pret was open, she is always a GIVER, and I doubt the cycling crowd would be a typical customer at Pret. Kudos to Judy for being a proponent of downtown!

And yes, thanks to Michael-David Winery & the Phillips Family for their continued support of Lodi activities. "

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yeah you wrote on Jul 12, 2009 9:25 PM:

" I went downtown to watch. Looked like a great event. Too bad more businesses didn't take advantage of all the people downtown. "

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sam wrote on Jul 12, 2009 7:30 PM:

" govagent, the post office is closed on Sunday.

You are against events that deprive you of your freebies? Dude, you are sick. "

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JerryInLodi wrote on Jul 12, 2009 7:24 PM:

" A great event for Lodi and I hope it continues for many years. Congratuations to the Phillips for sponsoring this event.

Those posting negative comments obviously don't go downtown on a Sunday. Most of the businesses are closed, including the Post Office. The races will afford those that are open, mostly resturants, some additional business and give good exposure to the downtown area for those not familiar with the town.

For myself, I'd like to see the blocks of School street from Lodi to Elm closed to vehicle traffic on a PERMANENT basis with expanded outdoor dining, additional street booths, perhaps some lattice work for shade and misters in the summer, hanging flower baskets, etc. Perhaps a small elephant train running up and down the passage ways from 9am to 6pm.

Many of the smaller cities in Europe now have expanded pedestrian malls and everyone we've been to is full of people. Much MORE foot traffic than the regular sidewalk and vehicle traffic streets. "

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govagent wrote on Jul 12, 2009 5:59 PM:

" This kind of event that blocks patrons from small business, churchs, and postal services needs to stop. I cannot believe that this event was approved regardless of the kind of even it is. I have a bad back and find it hard to get around. I had to park 3 blocks away and walk to post office to mail my letters. Lodi says it wants a friendly small business atmosphere yet pulls stunts like approving events like this to stop patronism and rendering of services. Please stop the stupidity. ps. I am not against any sport or event, but against stupid planning that would hinder a person from receiving services, besides a race like this is a lawsuit in waiting when cyclist wreck and are badly hurt, first they go after the business closest to wreck, then go after the city. " "

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govagent wrote on Jul 12, 2009 5:57 PM:

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dogs4you wrote on Jul 12, 2009 12:00 PM:

" That`s my main reason for staying away from downtown, not that I go there in the first place. "

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motherof3 wrote on Jul 11, 2009 10:15 PM:

" wow im excited I happened to just see what was going on and am very happy to see this we follow cycling and have gone to a few of the races cant wait to see what tomorrow brings! I agree 100% it is very exciting! "

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anayud wrote on Jul 11, 2009 8:58 PM:

" Here's one Lodian who's looking forward to the criterium in downtown Lodi. If you've never witnessed a closed circuit bicycle race such as this, you have missed an exciting sporting event. I have enjoyed many such bicycle races including the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix numerous times, so I am looking forward to tomorrow. The Pro races ought to be top notch events. Hopefully, this will be an annual event for years to come. "

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