Along The Trail:Wednesday Crits, Ride of Silence, and Dragon Boats

The weather has been good and there is more going on than I can keep up with. That is, if I want to ride every night instead of slaving over a hot keyboard, but I will try to hit a few high points.

From CARVE:

2013 Ronde van Burns Summer Criterium Series

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

 

OK, summer means it’s time for criterium racing in North Little Rock’s Burns Park. For the eleventh consecutive year, road cyclists will get a chance to race weekly on a flat course around the park’s soccer fields that is just under a mile long and free of traffic in the CARVE Ronde van Burns Criterium Series. Races are held May 15, 22 and 29, and June 5, 12 and 19.

Click the CARVE link above for more information.

 

Crits are fast, close, and spectator friendly. Ride on by on Wednesday nights to check out the races or enter.

 

Also Wednesday night: Ride of Silence

 

 From the BACA calendar:
Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas (BACA) and Arkansas Bicycle Club are sponsoring the annual National Ride of Silence to remember those who have been killed or injured while bicycling and to recognize that bicyclists have a right to be on the roads. This international event, held during National Bike Month, will take place on May 15, 2013, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Our ride will leave from the new CALS Children's Library on 4800 W. 10th St., Little Rock, just east of Jonesboro St. near the Little Rock Zoo. The riders go silently and slowly, about 12 mph, 2 abreast, and will go east on 12th Street, using the new bicycle lanes. The ride will go through the Children's Hospital grounds and end at the east Capitol steps for a short memorial and silence. Riders will return on their own the way they came, or using 7th St. Helmets are required and bicycle lights are needed. For more information on the Ride of Silence, see www.rideofsilen​ce.org. For more information, contact Judy Lansky at 225-5343 or Jim Britt at 912-1449.

Saturday, May 18: Dragon Boat Races At Burns Park Victory Lake

 

The Dragon boats were being unloaded Tuesday evening at Burns Park in preparation for racing on Saturday.

 

 

I think this will be a first for the area.

 

I don't know much about this event, but I gather that the race organizers work with a local sponsor, show up with the boats and everything they need for a Dragon Boat Festival, raise some money and move on to the next site. I assume the business model is similar to Gauntlet races, etc., but it looks pretty cool. I spoke to one of the folks at the boats on Wednesday and she promised food, music and dancers to entertain at the event.

 

Once you hear about dragon boat racing and become involved in this world of sport, community and fun, there is no turning back from it. There is much more to it than a great day on the water. There are different and interesting ways to experience the sport for both team members and spectators. Whether you’ve paddled in a festival or regatta, or you paddle regularly in a dragon boat, you feel connected to it. That’s the beauty of it – from the moment you pick up a paddle, you’ll love dragon boat racing!
Traditional Hong Kong style dragon boats are 46-feet long, with 10 seats and 20 people. A drum seat in front of the first two paddlers (seated beside each other) holds a drummer – you want the smallest, loudest, most rhythmic person you can find. A steerer guides the boat with the steering oar in back. These 22 people make up a dragon boat team. The stroke is unlike any other (the most similar is outrigger canoe) and taught in practice.
With origins dating back 2,300 years, dragon boat racing is the most fun, unique cultural event featuring adrenaline-pumping action. Teams race in authentic 46-foot long Hong Kong style dragon boats. They rave about the excitement, friendly competition and community spirit surrounding the sport. All ages, skill levels and physiques perfect their stroke and timing for the ultimate teamwork experience!



 

You may be able to see some boats on the water for practice or demonstration over the next couple of evenings. Drop by on your way to watch the crits.