The 2008 Tour d’ Burg. What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon — surrounded by family and friends, gathered in downtown Miamisburg, watching hundreds of great cyclists compete for the Ohio State Championship. Even better we got to cheer for my brother in law Geoff, who was competing in the race — his last as a category 5 cyclist.
To our delight, Geoff finished 2nd in his race — one that saw a handful of cyclists sprint it out for the last 300 yards to the finish line. Geoff made a late push down the final straight-away and overtook 2 others just as he crossed the line. It was thrilling to watch. My wife and I, and everyone else there were jumping up and down and cheering as Geoff rode past us triumphantly. I think he had the loudest cheering section of anyone in the event. It was awesome to see him come across the finish line with such enthusiasm. I know how much he loves cycling and how hard he has worked to get good at it. It was a moment to remember.
This was our second Tour d’ Burg — and again it was a great day. The Miamisburg Police Department handed out free bike helmets for children, vendors handed out clickers, noise makers, and trinkets, and there was face painting, balloons, games, and food vendors galore. The event was not overly crowded, but had enough people there to make it an exciting event.
I hope that Miamisburg will continue to put this event on, as it is quickly becoming one of my favorite summer happenings. I also hope that Geoff will be riding in next year’s race. Although the competition will be stronger, I know Geoff has what it takes to bring home a trophy or two for the day’s efforts. And if he rides in a better category, that just means that our cheering section will have to step it up next year too — which of course will be fun.
Did you attend the Tour d’ Burg? What did you think of the day? Will you go again?
Here are some pictures of the event, courtesy of another great brother in law — Chad - who served as the unofficial photographer for the day’s events.
Tour d’Burg 2008 | 2008 Tour d’Burg!
I did indeed have the loudest cheering section on the course. This really is a great family oriented event. After having been to a dozen or so of these races around the South and Midwest, I can say that while the Tour d’Burg is one of the smaller events, it is one of the better ones in terms of kid-friendliness.
It really meant a lot to have you guys there to cheer me on. I tried to gear it up for a few extra pulls down the stretch and in the finishing sprint for the home crowd. Much appreciation goes out to the Aunts and Grandparents for helping entertain the kids, the kids for cheering the loudest (Venga, Venga!!), Dave for the promo, Chad for the great pictures, and the City of Miamisburg for putting on this event. I look forward to coming back to Ohio every year to spend time with the family and do these events. The Dayton area is a great place to log a few extra miles in the saddle.
I’m very happy that everyone could make it out and I’m glad I didn’t disappoint. I will hopefully be able to do this again next year, this time as a CAT 4 (more pain and suffering all in the name of fun).
Great coverage! Wish we could have been there — but didn’t want to jinx it. Congratulations to GEOFF! (his mom)
Our family enjoyed the Tour d’Burg for the first time this year. We went to cheer on Geoff, and ended up having a great time. We not only enjoyed Geoff’s triumphant finish, but went home with free bike helmets and a brand new bike thanks to a winning ticket in the Riverside Credit Union bike raffle.
It was a fun family day, and we look forward to watching Geoff race again next year.
Congratulations Geoff!
The Michaels