Organizers of a popular, multi-day bicycle race in Cayuga County have canceled two thirds of the event, citing difficulty working with the city of Auburn.
The Citizen file photo
The Owasco Stage Race in past years had included short-course bike racing in downtown Auburn as part of the overall event, but the bikes won't be coming downtown this year.
The Owasco Stage Race in past years had included short-course bike racing in downtown Auburn as part of the overall event, but the bikes won't be coming downtown this year.
Dean Furnia said last week that he pulled the plug on a portion of the race that usually takes place in downtown Auburn, as well as the time trial. The event will now be a one-day road race July 19 in the Owasco Lake area.
Furnia said he believes there is not as much support from the city of Auburn as there used to be for his bike race, which dates back to 2004. But city officials say the race is a positive thing, and Furnia changed important details before getting the OK.
“I don't think the interest is there to have it done,” Furnia said earlier this week. “If you really want it to happen, you can make it happen.”
Originally, this year's Owasco Stage Race was to consist of three races. Saturday, there was going to be a six-mile trial race and the criterium stage in downtown Auburn.
Criterium events, Furnia said, are road bike races that are unique in that they are set in an urban street environment where the bikers ride the same loop many times. That gives the race a unique feel, as there are more sharp corners and less long, straight distances.
This year's criterium course was changed from previous years to include racing on North and South streets, and it would likely mean some different road closures in the past.
Furnia said he received a letter from the city in February indicating all concerns were satisfied. But he said when he recently talked with the police department, officials told him the logistics were impossible.
“They can handle it when (Alaska Gov. Sarah) Palin comes to town, but they can't handle a bike race?” Furnia said. “I said look, no problem. I'm not going to fight city hall.”
City Manager Mark Palesh said it's not true that the city is opposed to the bike race. The issue really was Furnia's request to change the route. The city can't just close North and South streets, Palesh said.
“If he can come up with a race we can do, we would love to have it,” Palesh said. “Any events that bring people downtown, we would like to do them.”
But Furnia said he detected no interest in making the Owasco Stage Race work. He understands bike races can be an annoyance, but officials can make things happen if they want, Furnia said.
Because of the changes in the race, he said he expects people to cancel altogether. Those who do not want to participate will be given a full refund, and those who registered for the two-day event will get a partial refund if they still participate in the Sunday race.
This is not the first time the criterium part of the race didn't happen. In 2006, road work forced last-minute changes, and there were cancellations then as well, Furnia said.
The smaller race will bring some positive changes, he said. The road race will be open to anyone, not just bikers with a racing license, which has not been the case in the past.
But Furnia said he does not believe this whole situation is good for the city. The race usually draws 250 to 350 people every year, many from out of state. And the downtown portion of the race draws even more spectators, as people are able to watch the bikers pass by over and over again.
“People aren't going to travel long distances and stay overnight in a hotel for a single road race on one day,” Furnia said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
Furnia said he believes there is not as much support from the city of Auburn as there used to be for his bike race, which dates back to 2004. But city officials say the race is a positive thing, and Furnia changed important details before getting the OK.
“I don't think the interest is there to have it done,” Furnia said earlier this week. “If you really want it to happen, you can make it happen.”
Originally, this year's Owasco Stage Race was to consist of three races. Saturday, there was going to be a six-mile trial race and the criterium stage in downtown Auburn.
Criterium events, Furnia said, are road bike races that are unique in that they are set in an urban street environment where the bikers ride the same loop many times. That gives the race a unique feel, as there are more sharp corners and less long, straight distances.
This year's criterium course was changed from previous years to include racing on North and South streets, and it would likely mean some different road closures in the past.
Furnia said he received a letter from the city in February indicating all concerns were satisfied. But he said when he recently talked with the police department, officials told him the logistics were impossible.
“They can handle it when (Alaska Gov. Sarah) Palin comes to town, but they can't handle a bike race?” Furnia said. “I said look, no problem. I'm not going to fight city hall.”
City Manager Mark Palesh said it's not true that the city is opposed to the bike race. The issue really was Furnia's request to change the route. The city can't just close North and South streets, Palesh said.
“If he can come up with a race we can do, we would love to have it,” Palesh said. “Any events that bring people downtown, we would like to do them.”
But Furnia said he detected no interest in making the Owasco Stage Race work. He understands bike races can be an annoyance, but officials can make things happen if they want, Furnia said.
Because of the changes in the race, he said he expects people to cancel altogether. Those who do not want to participate will be given a full refund, and those who registered for the two-day event will get a partial refund if they still participate in the Sunday race.
This is not the first time the criterium part of the race didn't happen. In 2006, road work forced last-minute changes, and there were cancellations then as well, Furnia said.
The smaller race will bring some positive changes, he said. The road race will be open to anyone, not just bikers with a racing license, which has not been the case in the past.
But Furnia said he does not believe this whole situation is good for the city. The race usually draws 250 to 350 people every year, many from out of state. And the downtown portion of the race draws even more spectators, as people are able to watch the bikers pass by over and over again.
“People aren't going to travel long distances and stay overnight in a hotel for a single road race on one day,” Furnia said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
Citizen
Hot Jobs
Off the Menu
The Citizens' Say
Post your comment - click hereThere are 7 comment(s)
tome8689 wrote on Jul 5, 2009 4:10 PM:
auburn~no~class wrote on Jul 5, 2009 2:08 PM:
FedUpWithAuburn wrote on Jul 5, 2009 12:17 PM:
race details,our manager must have been
MISLED by someone in the Administration
for as before Palesh's arrival to Auburn
since 2004-05-06-07-North and South St.
WERE CLOSED.for this event.That is a fact.I'm disgusted that thousands in
revenue are now gone for the restraunts and hotels,and the beauty of it all to the Auburian's that in fact enjoyed this so very much. Thanks City Hall.You
should know the facts before you state them Manager Palesh. "
mamimbe wrote on Jul 5, 2009 12:11 PM:
Jim wrote on Jul 5, 2009 10:01 AM:
lostwithpolitics wrote on Jul 5, 2009 9:44 AM:
wopinator wrote on Jul 5, 2009 9:21 AM: