I hope you're getting your fill of professional diaries and NashvilleCyclist.com race reports, but now it's time for me to chime in and be heard. 

With the bright sunshine, warmer temps and late sunset it means more day-time riding opportunities and lots more racing.  With more of us on the road it means the greater chance of an unsafe interaction with a motor vehicle.  My advice to everyone is to be smart on the road; if you want respect then you must give respect.  One cyclist acting irresponsible and riding unsafe unfortunately makes us all look bad, so be mindful of your presence on the road for your own safety and the safety of others.

There are some really exciting things coming soon here in Nashville area.  Well, two big things really - the 5th annual Nashville Ride of Silence on Wednesday, May 19th and the 6th annual NashvilleCyclist.com Criterium Race Series begins on the following Wednesday, May 26th! 

This year the Ride of Silence will again meet at Centennial Park on West End Ave, but our route will change slightly to hit more visible retail area as well as stay away from the construction around Demonbruen.  Check out the new route HERE.  Last year we had over 100 riders show up and Channel 4 News did a video report about the ride.  I hope more riders will attend and that we get even more publicity this year.  Last year the ride was dominated by recreational riders with a few racers sprinkled in, so I challenge the competitive crowd to show up and participate too.  There are three big rules to join the ride - 1) there's no talking during the ride, 2) ride no faster than 12 mph, and 3) you must wear a helmet to participate!

It goes without saying that I am excited about the upcoming 2010 criterium series.  Last year we were unable to start until the beginning of July, but now because of the Tennessee Titans' cooperation we will be starting much earlier, May 26th.  This year there will be 10 total races spread out from May through August.  We will have the usual payouts, points and opportunity to win the coveted championship belt or tiara!  I hope the previous champions have enjoyed holding the belt since last August, but now they have to defend against an onslaught of rivals if they expect to maintain their crown.

It is pretty cool to sit back and think about where we started with this series and compare it to where we are today.  We have introduced bicycle racing to a lot of new people over the years, and I would say have helped developed a reputation for Nashville as having some of the best criterium racers in the Southeast.  I know for sure the strength and speed of area riders has improved simply by how tough local group rides are nowadays.  We've always had some strong bike racers here in Nashville, but now we have a lot more of them!  Plus, it's great to bring us and our families all together on Wednesday night for the camaraderie, conversation and fun.  I challenge everybody to invite a friend or potential racer to come out one night to see what criterium racing is all about.  The responsibility of growth in our sport rests on all our shoulders.  Introduce someone new and encourage them to join us in the fun.  Will you do your part?

This year MOAB and Smoothie King of Belle Meade are both back as GOLD sponsors, so please acknowledge their support and let them know how much you appreciate them being involved.  Without them it's doubtful I would be able to make it happen.  I will post more specific information about the Ride of Silence and provide a race flyer for the criterium series early next week.  In the meantime I suggest you get your quads ready for some intense racing!

I would love to type up a lot more about what's on my mind and share some other cycling info I have saved up, but I have to go knock out a 3 hour hill workout!  Back again soon.....