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Bikers race to fill Riverwest 24

Posted by Tom Held of the Journal Sentinel on May 6, 2011

cycling

In a confirmation of the low-key nature of the Riverwest 24, even the organizers were surprised when it filled in about six hours.

That's 600 people, who registered in person, on Sunday and Monday.

"Local demand was overwhelming," said Steve Whitlow, one of five Riverwest neighbors who concocted and conducted their first 24-hour race in 2008. "Last year, we had paper sign up for five weeks before we opened online registration to fill the race."

For those unfamiliar with this local tour de neighborhood, the race includes solo riders and teams, many in costumes, turning laps on a five-mile course mapped out on city streets. Competitors are directed to obey traffic laws, wear helmets and use lights after dusk.

The first three versions turned into a rolling block party, which his just what Whitlow had in mind.

"We're not commercial," he said. "We're not for profit. We don't raise money for any organizations. We're just asking our neighbors and friends to come out and enjoy Riverwest for 24 hours. It's an impressive display of community."

Since the race filled, Whitlow has taken some flack from those shut out by the in-person registration. His response: check out the volunteer page on the website and join the spectacle July 29 and 30.