By way of electronic correspondence with T3, today I found out that cross races at Powderhorn and Boom Island will not happen this year. Apparently permits were denied for cyclocross events at any Minneapolis public park due in large part to the board's opinion that last year's Powderhorn race did too much damage to the park's grass.
This is unfortunate. Powderhorn is an ideal spot for a bicycle race. The park is right smack in the middle of South Minneapolis, in a quasi-sketchy neighborhood. Any organized community event -- be it a bike race or the annual art fair that takes place within the park's bounds -- is a great opportunity for folks to come out of their homes and experience something new and positive alongside their neighbors.
Admittedly, I have somewhat of a soft-spot for the locale because it is at Powderhorn that I experienced my first cross race, placing 3rd in the not-too-exciting "C" category (that is the lowest possible one, for you non-cyclists). Still, I had a great time mingling with friends, coworkers and fellow Minneapolitans and even came back subsequent years to spectate. I was looking forward to racing there this year, but alas, it was not meant to be.
Hopefully we'll be allowed back in 2009.
08 August 2008
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