Bike race in West Dundee will cause road closures
On Wednesday, July 20, life for some West Dundee residents will not be normal.
Those who live along portions of Lincoln Avenue, and Geneva, Sixth and Washington streets near the Fox River will have to find other places to park their cars for the day. Also, they will have to remember to look both ways when they walk across the streets to make sure they are not run over by a crowd of racing bicyclists.
Beginning shortly after 9 a.m. on Wednesday, those streets will be closed when the village hosts the Intelligentsia Cup bike race. Approximately 350 cyclists, from 15 years old and older, will whiz along the streets, passing cheering crowds.
The first race will begin at 10 a.m., and the last will begin at 6:30 p.m.
"Each race is timed," said race director Marco Colbert. "The first race will last for 30 minutes. The last one will last for 90 minutes. The interesting thing about this course is it includes some pretty steep hills."
People who live in the neighborhood don't have to be reminded about the hills, though. They drive on them every day and in every season. They are one of the reasons race coordinators selected West Dundee as a site for one of its eight race in the competition's series.
Other races will be in communities such as Willow Springs, Lake Bluff and Chicago.
For months, coordinators have been planning the race with West Dundee trustees. A few days before the race starts, residents will be given information on road closures. They may be an inconvenience for a day, but it will be a boon to the village, said Joseph Cavallaro, West Dundee Village Manager.
"Any change with special events creates some inconvenience with residents," he said. "But this intriguing event will attract interest in the energy of the village."
Residents who live along those streets know about inconvenience. Each September, they live with them for three days during Heritage Fest, which also attracts hundreds of out-of-towners.
The neighborhood survives, though.
If things go smoothly, the race may be an annual event, Colbert said.
"Events like this take a few years to get off the ground. Someone recommended West Dundee as a location for the series. The village is a challenging site. Officials have been cooperative. They are willing to work with us. This is a labor intensive event and we appreciate that," he said.
Not only are police and firefighters needed for emergencies, but about 36 volunteers are needed to ensure people do not cross the streets in front of the cyclists.
A few volunteers are still needed at some street corners. To volunteer, call the West Dundee Village Hall at (847) 551-3800.
Children can also participate in the day's activities by racing in Grafelman Park by taking Park in the Kids' Fun Race. The race starts at 6 p.m. The race is open to children from 3 to 9 years old.
Families can register their children at Main Street Bicycles in Carpentersville. For details, call (847) 783-0362.