Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 5, 1995 TAG: 9504080010
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ANDREA KUHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
At this time last year, local organizers were scrambling to come up with the funds to produce the Roanoke Valley's first venture into the Tour DuPont.
Businesses, skeptical about the amount of exposure and dollars the event would bring to the valley, were hesitant to commit as ``corporate partners.''
But the May time trial was a hit, with an estimate 80,000 to 100,000 curious folks turning out to watch cyclists in the nation's largest race whiz by on a sunny Monday afternoon. The valley's stage got one of the highest television market share ratings and was a critical turning point of the overall race.
Those results have meant an easier road for the fund raisers of Cycle Roanoke Valley, Inc., the non-profit company formed solely for the purpose of organizing the valley's Tour DuPont stage. Stage 5, a 23-mile time trial that starts at the Salem Civic Center and winds through Roanoke County before finishing in downtown Roanoke, will take place May 1.
``Let's put it this way: They [sponsors] have called us instead of us calling them,'' said Brian Duncan, a member of the Cycle Roanoke Valley executive board. ``We raised more money [by] last month than we had all of last year.''
The Tour's popular reception has also meant a more aggressive marketing strategy for Cycle Roanoke Valley, which has organized several new events in conjunction with Stage 5.
Three pre-stage parties are scheduled at establishments in Roanoke and Salem - at Valley Country on April 27, at Mac & Bob's on April 28 and at the Coffee Pot on April 29. All the festivities begin at 9 p.m.
``The auxiliary events are meant to raise more awareness, have some fun, recognize the sponsors and sell some merchandise,'' Duncan said. ``One of the avenues we wanted to open up was the opportunity to sell more merchandise and allow organizations to participate more.''
Among the items available are T-shirts, hats, mugs and cycling apparel, all bearing logos of the Tour DuPont and/or Stage 5.
Also scheduled for April 29 at 2 p.m. is the Tour DuTrike, an event for trike-sized children on the market in downtown Roanoke. On April 30 at 2 p.m., members of the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club and the Safety Council will be at Tanglewood Mall for a Bike Rodeo, designed to help local youth with bike repair and safety.
On May 1, the Downtown Rotary Club will sponsor a pig roast from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tour DuPont cyclists will ride right by the event, which will be at the old Mick or Mack store on Brambleton Ave.
``It's a great viewing area,'' Duncan said. ``People lined up on both sides of the street last year.''
by CNB