Opportunities abound for both volunteers and spectators at this week’s handcycling events in Floyd County.
There will be three chances to see handcycling races: today, Friday and Saturday.
Today’s road race will be on Big Texas Valley Road in northern Floyd County, starting at 2 p.m. A criterium race will be in downtown Rome on Friday at 3 p.m., and a time trial will be on Technology Parkway on Saturday at 9 a.m.
Ann Hortman from the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau said there are opportunities for volunteers to help with today’s road race.
“We always love to have volunteers for events like these,” Hortman said. “Today we still need some course marshals for the road race. They will man a spot at designated places along the route and make sure traffic doesn’t enter the road while the race is going on.
“Anyone who would like to help should show up at the Armuchee Baptist Church today at 1 p.m. For Friday and Saturday, I think we’re OK on volunteers, but we’d love to have spectators out there. The more people we have out there, the better it will be.”
Friday’s criterium race through downtown is the U.S. Handcycling National Championship, one of only three title races in the country each year. Champions will be crowned in two categories: long seat and knee seat.
The best viewing spots for today’s road race will be in the Rocky Mountain Recreation Area, while the best places to see Friday’s criterium will be anywhere along East First Street from Fourth Avenue to Second Avenue, and along the northbound side of Broad Street.
Saturday’s time trials can best be viewed from the intersection of Mathis Drive and Technology Parkway.
For more details about the handcycling or other events with Rome’s River Days, visit www.romeriverdays.com or www.romegeorgia.org.
Clocktower classic race routes
Today — Road Race
Race will start at Armuchee Baptist Church on Texas Valley Road and turn west onto Big Texas Valley Road. Racers will turn around at Friday Road and return to Armuchee Baptist Church. Route length: approximately 24 miles. Start/finish time: 2-4 p.m.
Friday — Downtown Criterium
Race will start on East First Street in front of the Rome Transit Station. Racers will turn right onto Second Avenue then right onto Broad Street. The course turns right again at Fourth Avenue before turning right on East First Street. Route length: each lap is approximately half a mile. Start/finish time: 3-4 p.m.
Saturday — Time Trials
Race will be on Technology Parkway, starting at Legacy Drive and going west to Huffaker Road before coming back to Legacy Drive. Route length: 6 miles. Start/finish time: 9-11 a.m.
