2006 Gateway Cup Comes to Downtown Loft District
I wanted to write a lot about the annual Gateway Cup bike races but I simply don’t have the time to do so. Here is the Reader’s Digest condensed version:
- Awesome event! Cyclists come from all over the midwest to compete in these races.
- Friday night is the kickoff around Lafayette Square, a very urban experience.
- In the past few years the Saturday event has been at a park in Kirkwood but this year it will be the loft district west of Tucker (14th to 20th). This will be a great venue with many photo opportunities. In the morning is the Tour de Judy charity bike ride along the riverfront with the first race starting at 2:30pm and the last race starting at 7pm.
- Sunday is on the Hill, a much different setting architecturally but a wonderful time.
- Monday is on the Loop.
- I’m not fond of the major sponsor, THF Realty, but I go anyway to support the racers.
- Bring cash for food, beverages and t-shirts. Sunscreen is also a good idea for the day events.
If you attend these one or all of these races, please be especially careful in attempting to cross the course as the racers are going quite fast. Most of the courses are closed except at a few designated spots. When the field of riders makes it by look for any stragglers before crossing — we don’t want to see anyone seriously injured.
Attendance is quite high at these events and streets are closed to hold them so plan on doing some walking. The Union Station station for MetroLink is the ideal exit for those attending the Friday evening races in Lafayette Square or the downtown races on Saturday afternoon (the Civic Center station would also work for the downtown races). For Monday’s race in the Loop you can use the Delmar station or if coming from the Shrewsbury direction take either the U-City/Big Bend or Skinker stations and head up to Delmar. Many spectators also cycle to the events.
Enjoy the weekend of bike racing!
– Steve