Milwaukee cyclocross race to feature Halloween vibe
By Andrew Hellpap
spindailynews@gmail.com
Casual passersby to Saturday's Halloween Classic cyclocross
race at Washington Park, Milwaukee, could be forgiven for scratching their
heads in wonder.
The yearly race on the Wisconsin Cycling Association
calendar presented by team Velo Trocadero, features the usually enthusiastic
fans and racers, but with a holiday theme — the riders are allowed to wear
Halloween getups, according to Luke Holtan, race director.
"The costumes that riders of every category show up in
are always impressive. We love the vibe that Halloween brings to our race,
and highly encourage everyone to dress his or her best," he said.
Velo Trocadero riders have been riding the course on a
regular basis lately to get a feel for this year's venue, and the course is
shaping up to be a true cyclecross course, he said.
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| Submitted Photo An Elmo lookalike takes on the coffin hop at the 2011 Halloween Classic presented by Velo Trocadero at Washington Park, Milwaukee |
Last year's race drew about 325 riders from as far away as
Illinois, and throughout Wisconsin — many showing up in costume, he said.
Last season's event also featured a kids race with nearly 50 riders. Velo
Trocadero hopes to bolster the kids race turnout this year with the presence of
youth members from the Dream Bikes organization.
Dream Bikes is company in Milwaukee and Madison that sells
bikes, but also has programs to help people who couldn't typically afford a
bike, according to the business' website. They also have employment programs to
give teens between 14 and 18 a job, and teach them skills for future
employment.
Saturday's racecourse has a special feature, in addition to
Washington Park's history as the former Milwaukee County Zoo designed by
architect Frederick Law Olmstead. There is a "deadly" obstacle on the
course, which riders will need to be aware of, a coffin hop. In deed, riders
will run over a coffin on the course.
"As always, the coffin hop will be available for those
who dare," Holtan said.
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