Big biking event set for Payette
Boomerang Downhill 50 concludes at city limits Saturday
By Scott Ford
Argus Observer
Thursday, May 14, 2009 9:59 AM PDT
Payette — Payette biking enthusiasts can secure an opportunity to watch some first-class racing Saturday when the Boomerang Downhill 50 comes to town.
The race begins outside of Horseshoe Bend and travels down Idaho Highway 52 with the finish line set at the Payette city limits.
Race coordinator Mike King presented the event to the Payette City Council last month and wanted the race to finish on Main Street. Because of time constraints and permitting hold ups, however, King opted to finish the race at the city limits.
“It’s going to be a great race,” King said. “The course is fantastic, and I have heard nothing but good things from those that are sponsoring the race and the riders in the race.”
King said he was hoping for 1,000 racers to participate in the event but conceded the race will probably not attract that many.
Still, King said he was optimistic about the number of competitors.
“But you never know how many people will show up on race day to register,” King said.
This is the first of a six-leg series King said he plans to host this summer. He said he is hoping this race will generate enough interest to host it again next year.
“Next year I plan to start earlier, so I can get all the permitting I need in advance so the race can conclude in downtown Payette,” King said.
The race will feature a number of racing divisions: men’s and women’s pro, followed by heats of all ages, from 15 years of age to 60 years plus.
King said the race will be escorted, just like any major bike race, with a pace car and motorcycle escorts and a pickup vehicle for any racer who falls too far behind. The official pace car of the race will be a 2009 Chevrolet Camaro convertible, which will also carry race queen Meghan King.
“We do not want racers coming to the finish line hours after the race starts, so we will have a pickup vehicle pulling racers off the course who fall too far behind,” King said.
With the possibility of the event evolving into an annual happening, King said he hopes this year’s race will spur more interest in cycling in this region of the state. He also said having pro riders in the event will only enhance the race and its future popularity.
“We have racers from Boise bike shops committed to the race as well as other areas of the state.” King said.
As for any notable professional riders joining the Boomerang Downhill 50, King said he has talked with Olympic medalist Kristin Armstrong and she showed interest in the event, but she has not yet committed to the race.
Armstrong captured her first World Cup title Sunday, edging Marianne Vos for the win at the Tour de Berne in Switzerland. She is currently out of the country.
“Who knows, maybe she’ll be one of those who show up on race day,” King said. “I hope so. It would be great to have a racer of that caliber in the event.”
King added he will be searching out businesses in Payette that may want to help sponsor the race this week.
“I am hoping to pick up a few local sponsors for the race, just to make the prize money a little sweeter,” King said.
The winners of the race will receive a portion of the entry fee as a prize.The entry for the race is $49, and cyclists can register on race day. For more information contact Mike King at (208) 412-8900.
The race will begin at 2 p.m. outside of Horseshoe Bend.
