It was discovered today that the one lane bridge on the original course is in the process of being replaced.  The bridge is completely gone now, so there is no “squeezing through” during next week’s race.  I was able to route a detour that only add about 2 miles to the route.  This new route does change some of the characteristics of the course by adding a second mild climb on the backside.  Here is the new course to be used next week:

http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/OH/Georgetown/146128232646736855

Because this new route is longer, I have changed the number of laps and mileage some of the age groups will be doing.

• Men 30-39, 4 laps, 54 miles
• Men 40-49, 4 laps, 54 miles
• Men 50-59, 3 laps, 41 miles
• Men 60+, 3 laps, 41 laps
• Women (all ages), 3 laps, 41 miles

Hopefully, everyone will find these changes satisfactory as much of this was out of my control.

COURSE CHANGE

There has been a small change to the course being used for this year’s Ohio Masters Road Race State Championship.  While driving the course last week, it was noticed that one of the roads, Beech Grove Rd, has been completely repaved with fresh, smooth, black asphalt.  Most of this road was bypassed because there were too many potholes.  Now, instead of following Eden Rd up to Marks Rd, we will now turn directly onto Beech Grove Rd from Eden Rd.  This will eliminate the one left turn that was on the course and shortens the course by 1 mile each lap.  Since Marks Rd is a one lane road, this should make for some safer racing as the groups make their approach to the final turn on to Oak Grove Rd before the finish.

CHAMPIONSHIP ELIGIBILITY

While this race is open to all Masters riders regardless of residency, only Ohio residents are eligible for Championship Medals.  In addition, riders must also have a current USA Cycling Annual License to be eligible for Championship Medals.  All riders can compete for the available prize money.