Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 10, 1994 TAG: 9405100117
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
What a great show Monday! Great weather and the Roanoke Valley Time Trial from downtown Salem to downtown Roanoke - by way, however, of a couple of the mountains that ring the valley - got folks out partying and picnicking at vantage points along suburban and rural roads, lining downtown streets and hanging out office windows.
This is the first year for Roanoke to be included in the 1,060-mile, four-state cycling event.
After the embarrassment of being bypassed last year, as the Tour moved through the region via Lynchburg and Blacksburg, valley residents can hold their heads high again. In particular, perhaps, they owe thanks for that to Roanoke City Councilman Delvis "Mac" McCadden. He pushed valley governments and business leaders to get organized and bid for a spot in the Tour's 1994 limelight.
And a broad limelight it is, for an event now recognized as the top-ranked non-European bike race in the world.
While its public-relations value to a community is difficult to calculate, it's been estimated that more than 92 million people in 110 countries follow the Tour on television, and that millions more get an introduction to areas included on the route through coverage of the tour by thousands of newspapers and magazines. They may see Salem, ridgetop views of the valley and the Roanoke City Market, site of the finish line.
Additionally, the tour has a following of live spectators - many from out of state and other countries who help the area economy by patronizing hotels, restaurants and shops while they're here. And, it's hoped, returning home to talk about the nice places in Virginia they've visited.
So some roads and streets have to be closed to regular traffic for short periods; so there may be temporary detours, traffic stalls and other inconveniences. Isn't it worth it to be where the action is?
Maybe even to get inspired by how easy these fine athletes make it look? Get out the old, rusty Schwinn and push its pedals around the block?
Today and tomorrow, the whirlwind of bike wheels and dashing young men in neon-bright racers' gear continues its roar through Southwest Virginia, before turning south Wednesday toward North Carolina and the Tour's final destination, Winston-Salem. The bicyclists pick up back in Lynchburg, and cycle to Blacksburg via charming places like Fincastle and New Castle.
So good-bye, Roanoke.
Hello, Blacksburg. Hello, Wytheville. Hello, beautiful Virginia countryside all along the way.
So glad we got to see you. So glad you got to see us.
by CNB