Athletes will race in categories as determined on ability and age, with different categories competing throughout the day. Road races are a very challenging event for road cyclists, with the top riders competing over 81 miles of scenic Big Texas Valley.
To make the race truly challenging and exciting, all races will finish atop Fouche Gap Road, at the intersection of Fouche Gap Road and Lavender Trail.
The majority of the course will be open to cars and motorists are asked to be aware of riders next Saturday. For the safety of the riders, a short section of Fouche Gap Road will be closed Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (expected finish).
The Rocky Mountain side of Fouche Gap will be closed, from the start of Fouche Gap Road off Sand Springs Road to the intersection of Fouche Gap Road and Lavender Trail. Additionally, to aid in the safety of the race, Sand Springs will only be open to traffic going in the direction of race. Motorists will be allowed to travel on Sand Springs going from Texas Valley to Big Texas Valley road, following the flow of the race. Floyd County Police will be on site to help with road safety along with many volunteers from the community.
The race is being hosted by Mt. Alto Baptist Church, registration and parking will be at the Church at 1915 Huffaker Road. Registration opens at 7 a.m.
All of the athletes will start from the Church. From there the racers ride to Big Texas Valley and turn right. The course proceeds all through Texas Valley, past Rocky Mountain Recreation area.
Racers turn right to stay on Big Texas Valley and proceed to Sand Springs Road. Sand Springs will make for great racing with numerous climbs and tight turns.
All races eventually then turn left to finish atop Fouche Gap. But to get more mileage, many of the categories will continue straight and complete multiple laps by then turning onto Big Texas Valley again.
The Texas Valley loop is 18 miles, beginners will do a total of 43 miles. Other categories will do 3 or 4 total laps on the very challenging course.
Members of Rome’s longstanding cycling team, Rome Velo, will compete in several of the day’s races.
Rome Velo has two new Junior riders (younger than 18) to the team — Jackson Calhoun of Acworth and Davis McGinty of Rome. The coaches of Rome Velo have been working with them for a strong debut at this race. As well, a recent graduate of the Rome Velo program, Brandon Pruett will represent his new team, Hincapie Devo. Brandon finished 5th in the Pro category at a recent Union City Road Race, so we expect him to do well on his home turf. Rome Velo will have 9 athletes competing in races Saturday. Other members of the team will handle logistical aspects of the event to make this a great addition to endurance sports racing in Rome and Floyd County.
Online registration is still open for the event at the team’s website, www.romevelo.net. The Fouche Gap Road Race is a production of Rome Velo, with support from Mt Alto Baptist Church, Go Smarter Coaching, Redmond EMS, The Claremont House Bed and Breakfast, and Courtesy Ford of Rome. Spectators are encouraged, stop in at Mt. Alto Baptist Church for advice on the best places to see racing in Floyd County.
The Rome Velo Cycling Team is a USA Cycling Sanctioned Club. The team of 22 athletes is largely drawn from Rome and Floyd County residents.
The Team competes throughout Georgia and the Southeast in road cycling, mountain bike, and triathlon races. The team’s mission is to promote healthy living through encouraging youths and adults to become involved in competitive cycling. The team is also sponsored by several Rome-based businesses including, Go Smarter Coaching, The Claremont House Bed & Breakfast, the Coosa Valley Cycling Association, & Cherokee Cycles.
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