So excited for this once-in-a-generation world class sporting event. Go out and watch, bring the kids–they will remember it for the rest of their lives!
i think it is very hypercritical that the city is showcasing the view of Libby Hill at the same time that they have no problem with developers destroying the view.
@7 Nothing against cycling. Mostly, it’s traffic worries. What’s it going to be like going across town? That, and how it will affect parking in Church Hill.
Cycling might be the worst spectator sport out there. While it’s great that we are inviting the world to come party in Richmond, I think a lot of folks are going to be disappointed in the actual events.
You’ll wait around for a long time and then see a pack of dudes on bikes go by for a minute. That will be it.
Any other so-called Tier One city would welcome–and indeed expect–events like this. I am amazed at the negative comments. People want RVA to be popular and hip and desireable…but when these opportunities and recognition come along, there’s nothing but griping, complaining and criticizing.
I was at Libby Hill for some of the college races last year and it was a good time. The climb up through the park was really impressive to see in person.
I agree with Juliellen and CD! I also attended the races last year in Libby Hill and it was great fun. How about this – let’s have a bitchfest AFTER the event if it’s truly a nightmare?? In the meantime, we should give it a chance to awesome.
I agree with Juliellen. Stop being so negative! This is the closest kind of event to the Olympics that RVA will probably ever get. Let’s all show some great hospitality to our global visitors.
The criticism is because it will be the realization of the city spending a lot of money for an over hyped event that will not meet expectations as far as visitors realized or revenue generated. Much like when a city hosts the Olympics, a lot of hassle for the residents who are left in debt. That’s why there is negativity.
It’ll be just like last year’s race, but on steroids. (Just a figure of speech, of course.) Add: way bigger crowds, international flair, a jumbo-tron, and beer garden. This will be quite the spectacle!
As a UCI volunteer, I have been assigned to work the kiosk at the “Gripe Zone” – handing out tissues and lollipops for all the whiners & crybabies…urghh.
@21 Ziti Where’s your sense of humor? Drive up 25th St and turn toward Mechanicsville Tnpk to the 64 or take Nine Mile Rd to the 64. If you work in The Slip or midtown you can walk. Road closure days and dates are posted to help you navigate city streets toward Henrico. Getting to the Downtown Expressway might be problematic if certain streets are blocked, that’s when you might need to take the 64 to the 95. Unfortunately folks need to plan ahead for their daily commute and not have a “last minute ” mindset.
I watched the collegiate races, as well. It was an amazing experience! I encourage everyone to grab a cowbell and participate by cheering on all of these athletes each time they pass by (especially the person in last place with the ambulance following them).
As for traffic, I believe the hype machine has effectively scared everyone to death about traversal. I’ll bet it’s not going to be very bad. It certainly can’t be any worse than the road closures- due to the preparation for the race- have been.
Lastly: if you can’t beat them, join them. Hop on a bike for the week! (I understand certain individuals with handicaps may not be able to do this. The challenge is not directed at you. It’s intended to encourage many everyday drivers to adopt riding for a week.)
@17 Neighbor said it well… over-hyped…won’t be well attended to generate the over inflated revenue expected and will cause 10 days of inconvenience…city taxpayers will be left holding the bag on this with little or no return on investment.
@26 jamie If we don’t get the number of overseas spectators it could be due to currency exchange rates and the absolute hassle it is for foreigners to get visas to come here, that’s a big obstacle when the U.S. wants to host international events. We can travel to many countries and stay for 3 or six months without a visa, our visa process has been a hassle even before 9/11 happened. It takes money to make money, let’s see if the metro area gets a boost in future tourism.
Unlike the Olympics none of the spending is going towards soon-to-be obsolete venues. It has prompted a ton of needed infrastructure repairs such as long overdue paving. So you’ll get to enjoy that in your cars afterwards. Plus there are other amenities that will benefit the community that got jump-started or pushed along (Cap Trail, Dam Walk, bike lanes, sidewalk repairs).
Yeah, it will present more than a week of inconvenience. That’s the price to pay for being something other than a sleepy backwater. Amazing that so many people that live in a city have the expectation of the staid homogeneity of living in a gated suburban community. I’ve never known another city that wanted to be so cool, hip and known, yet so averse to change and the inconveniences of city life. We complain about everything, and then complain when change happens too. As one person put it (when I said “Richmond hates change”, “Richmond loves to talk about change, they just hate to do it”
As for the hypocrisy of the views; one development got pulled. The other can proceed regardless. That is called property rights. Short of the city condemning Echo Harbor which would be costly and contentious, there isn’t a lot the city can do. And meanwhile, when the city tries to implement other projects the NIMBYs come out in full force and oppose things cuz it is “their street” (no, it’s the city’s street). The City, for all its incompetence, also can’t win for losing many times.
It will be interesting to see the econ impact. Those numbers tend to be quite inflated, but I have more than a dozen friends and family members coming from across the US for the final 4 days.
I, for one, am stoked. I realize the pitfalls of hosting an international 10-day bike race, but come on! I work at MCV and vespa to work everyday, but I’ll figure it out.
My birthday is during race week and I have a handful of friends coming into town for the ending wknd. I CAN’T WAIT. I could be upset that it will disrupt my birthday plans, but I’ll choose to embrace it!
Some people will always find things to complain about. Try to see the bright side… Beer garden in Autumn with friends. If that’s not enough… how about the JUMBOTRON? 🙂
Give me a couple dozen europeans in tight bike shorts and I’ll feel like it was all worth it. It will be a nice break from the buttondown-khahkis-loafer NIMBY uniform. See you at the Brake Pad beer garden, boys.
Feel free to correct me if I am wrong, but I thought there were some federal grants that have also gone into improving infrastructure around the city (implemented at the same time and beyond the race resurfacing). And as @28 noted, it’s not like we’re seeing a bunch of money invested into something that won’t do us any good after the races.
I already appreciate driving down Broad Street and not fearing that my suspension is being stressed to its limits.
Get ready to have some fun, everyone! Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Please embrace it!
Know what else would be supercool to come out of this that would go with our nice new roads? More trash cans in Church Hill!!! Can I get a hell, yeah??
Got some news today, apparently the main public library branch downtown on Franklin St. will be closed starting next Wed., Sept. 16, through the end of the bike races. The organizers want to use it as headquarters, and couldn’t deal with security issues (people coming in with backpacks, etc.). The staff will either have to use vacation days, find a temp. spot at another branch if any are available, or just get unpaid leave. Which is a real shame, as I think most of the folks at check out are part time and probably don’t get any vacation at all. There are three reference librarians that I’ve seen, I would guess they might have a chance at finding something at another branch, but I really feel sorry for the staff.
The downtown YMCA will be closed the last three days of the races, and possibly other times if their staff cannot get in to work.
@33 yes I’d like trash cans but then you have to make people use them and get the city to pick up the trash.
ON A GOOD NOTE – the grass around 23rd St. HAS BEEN CUT! YAY! That whole hillside with the six foot high weeds as of Wed. night was in process of being cleared!
47 comments
Sh*t
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Yay! Can’t wait!! This is going to be fun!!
So excited for this once-in-a-generation world class sporting event. Go out and watch, bring the kids–they will remember it for the rest of their lives!
Heather O’Sullivan liked this on Facebook.
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Ugh.
RT @chpn: World Road Cycling Championships hit Richmond in less than two weeks http://t.co/fB9T6hqfhc #bikerva
World Road Cycling Championships hit Richmond in less than two weeks http://t.co/KuXw87cMI3
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Double UGH…”they will remember it for the rest of their lives!” …highly Doubt it….I would much rather they spin around Short Dump…
I’m curious – what’s prompting the negative response?
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It’s going to be a nightmare. I am just grateful our whole division is working from home.
Some people just thrive on being negative….
i think it is very hypercritical that the city is showcasing the view of Libby Hill at the same time that they have no problem with developers destroying the view.
@7 Nothing against cycling. Mostly, it’s traffic worries. What’s it going to be like going across town? That, and how it will affect parking in Church Hill.
Cycling might be the worst spectator sport out there. While it’s great that we are inviting the world to come party in Richmond, I think a lot of folks are going to be disappointed in the actual events.
You’ll wait around for a long time and then see a pack of dudes on bikes go by for a minute. That will be it.
Any other so-called Tier One city would welcome–and indeed expect–events like this. I am amazed at the negative comments. People want RVA to be popular and hip and desireable…but when these opportunities and recognition come along, there’s nothing but griping, complaining and criticizing.
I was at Libby Hill for some of the college races last year and it was a good time. The climb up through the park was really impressive to see in person.
I agree with Juliellen and CD! I also attended the races last year in Libby Hill and it was great fun. How about this – let’s have a bitchfest AFTER the event if it’s truly a nightmare?? In the meantime, we should give it a chance to awesome.
I agree with Juliellen. Stop being so negative! This is the closest kind of event to the Olympics that RVA will probably ever get. Let’s all show some great hospitality to our global visitors.
The criticism is because it will be the realization of the city spending a lot of money for an over hyped event that will not meet expectations as far as visitors realized or revenue generated. Much like when a city hosts the Olympics, a lot of hassle for the residents who are left in debt. That’s why there is negativity.
I guess we’ll need a Gripe Zone for all the curmudgeons.
It’ll be just like last year’s race, but on steroids. (Just a figure of speech, of course.) Add: way bigger crowds, international flair, a jumbo-tron, and beer garden. This will be quite the spectacle!
Sit back, relax, enjoy!
While it is true that parking on the Hill and in Shockoe Bottom is going to be an absolute nightmare, I can’t wait for the actual races!
So if I’m just wondering, “how am I going to get across town to get to work,” that makes me a “curmgudgeon” attending a “bitchfest”?
Wow.
@18 Sue Who
As a UCI volunteer, I have been assigned to work the kiosk at the “Gripe Zone” – handing out tissues and lollipops for all the whiners & crybabies…urghh.
@21 Ziti
Where’s your sense of humor? Drive up 25th St and turn toward Mechanicsville Tnpk to the 64 or take Nine Mile Rd to the 64. If you work in The Slip or midtown you can walk. Road closure days and dates are posted to help you navigate city streets toward Henrico. Getting to the Downtown Expressway might be problematic if certain streets are blocked, that’s when you might need to take the 64 to the 95. Unfortunately folks need to plan ahead for their daily commute and not have a “last minute ” mindset.
@14, etc.
I watched the collegiate races, as well. It was an amazing experience! I encourage everyone to grab a cowbell and participate by cheering on all of these athletes each time they pass by (especially the person in last place with the ambulance following them).
As for traffic, I believe the hype machine has effectively scared everyone to death about traversal. I’ll bet it’s not going to be very bad. It certainly can’t be any worse than the road closures- due to the preparation for the race- have been.
Lastly: if you can’t beat them, join them. Hop on a bike for the week! (I understand certain individuals with handicaps may not be able to do this. The challenge is not directed at you. It’s intended to encourage many everyday drivers to adopt riding for a week.)
Actually, Ziti, I did not take your questions as negative at all. Ugh, double ugh and sh*t – I think those are the comments that are the focus.
@17 Neighbor said it well… over-hyped…won’t be well attended to generate the over inflated revenue expected and will cause 10 days of inconvenience…city taxpayers will be left holding the bag on this with little or no return on investment.
@26 jamie
If we don’t get the number of overseas spectators it could be due to currency exchange rates and the absolute hassle it is for foreigners to get visas to come here, that’s a big obstacle when the U.S. wants to host international events. We can travel to many countries and stay for 3 or six months without a visa, our visa process has been a hassle even before 9/11 happened. It takes money to make money, let’s see if the metro area gets a boost in future tourism.
Unlike the Olympics none of the spending is going towards soon-to-be obsolete venues. It has prompted a ton of needed infrastructure repairs such as long overdue paving. So you’ll get to enjoy that in your cars afterwards. Plus there are other amenities that will benefit the community that got jump-started or pushed along (Cap Trail, Dam Walk, bike lanes, sidewalk repairs).
Yeah, it will present more than a week of inconvenience. That’s the price to pay for being something other than a sleepy backwater. Amazing that so many people that live in a city have the expectation of the staid homogeneity of living in a gated suburban community. I’ve never known another city that wanted to be so cool, hip and known, yet so averse to change and the inconveniences of city life. We complain about everything, and then complain when change happens too. As one person put it (when I said “Richmond hates change”, “Richmond loves to talk about change, they just hate to do it”
As for the hypocrisy of the views; one development got pulled. The other can proceed regardless. That is called property rights. Short of the city condemning Echo Harbor which would be costly and contentious, there isn’t a lot the city can do. And meanwhile, when the city tries to implement other projects the NIMBYs come out in full force and oppose things cuz it is “their street” (no, it’s the city’s street). The City, for all its incompetence, also can’t win for losing many times.
It will be interesting to see the econ impact. Those numbers tend to be quite inflated, but I have more than a dozen friends and family members coming from across the US for the final 4 days.
I, for one, am stoked. I realize the pitfalls of hosting an international 10-day bike race, but come on! I work at MCV and vespa to work everyday, but I’ll figure it out.
My birthday is during race week and I have a handful of friends coming into town for the ending wknd. I CAN’T WAIT. I could be upset that it will disrupt my birthday plans, but I’ll choose to embrace it!
Some people will always find things to complain about. Try to see the bright side… Beer garden in Autumn with friends. If that’s not enough… how about the JUMBOTRON? 🙂
Don’t knock it until you try it first.
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Give me a couple dozen europeans in tight bike shorts and I’ll feel like it was all worth it. It will be a nice break from the buttondown-khahkis-loafer NIMBY uniform. See you at the Brake Pad beer garden, boys.
@28-31
That’s the spirit!
Feel free to correct me if I am wrong, but I thought there were some federal grants that have also gone into improving infrastructure around the city (implemented at the same time and beyond the race resurfacing). And as @28 noted, it’s not like we’re seeing a bunch of money invested into something that won’t do us any good after the races.
I already appreciate driving down Broad Street and not fearing that my suspension is being stressed to its limits.
Get ready to have some fun, everyone! Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Please embrace it!
Know what else would be supercool to come out of this that would go with our nice new roads? More trash cans in Church Hill!!! Can I get a hell, yeah??
Got some news today, apparently the main public library branch downtown on Franklin St. will be closed starting next Wed., Sept. 16, through the end of the bike races. The organizers want to use it as headquarters, and couldn’t deal with security issues (people coming in with backpacks, etc.). The staff will either have to use vacation days, find a temp. spot at another branch if any are available, or just get unpaid leave. Which is a real shame, as I think most of the folks at check out are part time and probably don’t get any vacation at all. There are three reference librarians that I’ve seen, I would guess they might have a chance at finding something at another branch, but I really feel sorry for the staff.
The downtown YMCA will be closed the last three days of the races, and possibly other times if their staff cannot get in to work.
@33 yes I’d like trash cans but then you have to make people use them and get the city to pick up the trash.
ON A GOOD NOTE – the grass around 23rd St. HAS BEEN CUT! YAY! That whole hillside with the six foot high weeds as of Wed. night was in process of being cleared!