Recumbent owners with a bike to sell can display them at the event but no sales are allowed inside the park, due to regulations. Ride maps will be available for unsupported (no SAG) rides of 25, 45 and 62 miles. For more information visit www.wolverbents.org.

June 26, 2004 (Saturday)
Michigan Recumbent Rally - Central
Held at at the Holt Pro Cyclery in Holt, just south of Lansing, from 10 am to 3 pm. The shop is a Easy Racer, Bacchetta, Rans and Sun/EZ recumbent dealer. The shop is at 1830 N. Cedar St.,at the corner of Charlar Place, three blocks south of Holt Road. From the intersection of I-96 and US 127, take US 127 south two miles to the Holt Road exit. Go west on Holt Road 1.7 miles to Cedar Street (the second traffic light). Turn left (south) on Cedar Street and the rally will be on your right. For more information contact Jim Blais at Holt Cyclery at 517/694-6702 or TiBone@comcast.net.

Recumbent test-rides, displays, group ride at 12 noon or pick your own individual start time (all cyclists welcome/maps provided/no sag or support service). There will also be a "buying your first recumbent" talk at 11 am and 1 pm. If you have a recumbent for sale, feel free to bring it out along with a "for sale" sign.

Coming later is the Michigan Recumbent Rally West (Sept.11) in Hastings and the Fall Recumbent Rendezvous (Sept. 18) at Stony Creek Metropark in the northern Detroit area. For additional information on any of the recumbent events visit www.wolverbents.org

So I contacted the Michigan Senior Olympics office and was told that they do not plan recumbent racing events for 2004 and that the schedule had already been sent to the printer, but they might consider holding a ribbon event next year if there is sufficient interest.

I know that recumbent cycling is very popular in our community, and is especially strong in the 50+ population.  I'm wondering if your respective organizations have any numbers on the level of statewide interest that might be drawn to recumbent racing within the Senior Games program.  I think it could an interesting addition to the Games and a great way to promote recumbent riding and cycling in general.  It would be helpful if your organizations could send letters in support of this idea to: Michigan Senior Olympics, 650 Letica Drive, Rochester MI  48307.

 Here are some of the points you might address:
- The increasing popularity of this type of bicycle among those 50+.
- The value of exposing spectators to recumbent riding as an alternative for those who are not comfortable on "wedgies."
- The importance of providing another example of healthful activity to residents of a state notorious for the poor physical conditioning of its residents
- Participation by recumbent riders in other competitive events, such as the MHPVA rallies and the 24-Hour Challenge.
- The fairness issue with respect to elimination of a category of rider that was previously explicitly eligible to participate without providing an alternative event.

If this effort is successful and a ribbon event or events is added for next year, the next step (of course) will be to encourage the eligible members of your organizations to participate.  Again, please consider joining this effort.