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  • Grant Newsom hits the pavement hard after losing traction in the first turn of the men's category 4-5 criterium Friday in downtown Enid. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)

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September 2, 2011

Racing toward a good cause: Bicycling events kick off Enid Noon AMBUCS’ Tour de Trykes fundraiser

By Austin Prickett, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — Downtown Enid was filled with fast-moving bicycles and cheering spectators Friday thanks to the Enid Noon AMBUCS Tour de Trykes fundraiser.

The Crazy 8 Crit criterium race took the form of a figure 8 weaving across downtown blocks in three separate races. Each race lasted 60 minutes with cyclists reaching speeds of up to 35 mph.

Mike Stuber, chairman of Tour de Trykes, said he received positive feedback from riders after the event.

“We have received excellent enthusiasm from the crowd and riders,” Stuber said.

Riders from six states, including Kentucky, Missouri and Texas, participated in the three races. The races were sanctioned under USA Cycling and all participants were required to have a USA Cycling racing license.

The three races were divided into men’s category 4-5, which Stuber said was for beginners to cycling, then women’s category 1-5, and the evening ended with a men’s category 1-3 race.

Both the criterium and the Tour de Trykes raise money to provide therapeutic tricycles — AmTrykes — for people with disabilities.

The course began in the middle of the block on Randolph between Grand and Independence. Riders then raced to Independence, then to Broadway, Grand, Maine, 2nd back to Broadway and Grand with the finish line being on Randolph.

Past National AMBUCS President Anna Blubaugh said everyone in the organization has a huge heart.

“They are all working so hard so we can keep giving back to the community,” Blubaugh said. “It seems the only thing they know is to give and help others.”

The men’s category 4-5 event began with a wreck on the first turn and eventually knocked three riders out of the race. Daniel Tigert, of Team Undiscovered, earned $270 for his first-place finish in the men’s category 4-5 race. Ginny King and Jacob Lasley both won $539 for their top finishes in the women’s category 1-5 and men’s category 1-3, respectively.

The annual Tour de Trykes road tour will be today. Distances vary from 10 to 100 miles. A two-mile family fun ride will be held. Events start at 7:30 a.m. at David Allen Memorial Ballpark.

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