Wheels are Turning . . .

This Thursday, Terry and the Merry Marketeers joined representatives from every region in Maryland in Annapolis for a presentation by Medalist Sports -- the organization responsible for producing professional cycling events such as the Tour of California and Tour of Missouri.  They outlined their vision for a 2012 Tour de Maryland that would last seven days and take international professional cycling teams throughout the state.

It has been about 15 years since the Tour Du Pont (and its predecessor, Tour de Trump) touched Maryland, but several in the assembly remembered these successes well.  Neil Sandler, publisher of Spokes magazine and organizer of the inaugural Tour de Frederick later this summer, brought past issues of Spokes, which included  coverage of these popular events (which were also produced by Medalist Sports.)

Because many in the audience were economic development officials and unfamiliar with the mechanics of professional cycling, the presentation focused as much on economic impact as it did on logistics.  It also stressed the flexibility of the concept and how each stage of the race could be structured to best show the geography and appeal of each state region.

The most significant point is how many opportunities to participate this type of event offers.  Instead of a direct pass through route, the race consists of stages.  So there is a new start and finish site every day.  Or a different type challenge, like a point to point or criterium.   The routes change from year to year to include new scenery and host venues.

The interesting part of the process is that each stage gives that particular region a time to shine light on their attractions.  Usually there are ancillary activities, like festivals and bike rides, that become a part of the professional tour stopover.  Another plus for this event is the national and internet real time coverage that showcases the highways and byways of every part of the race.

After hearing the initial pitch yesterday, folks in the tourism and cycling communities need to decide if they are at all interested in this flirtation.  This kind of major event does not happen without strong local support -- which means volunteers, local governments, and sponsors. 

During this courtship phase, local officials should consider if this is something they would like to pursue.  For their part, local advocates within in the cycling community who want to see it happen need to pick up the drumbeat and let their decision makers know why it is a good idea.

Within the next few days, the Medalist folks will be making their electronic presentation available for posting online so more people can study the proposal and evaluate the potential it offers Maryland.  We'll let you know when there is a link available on the website, and we will also be soliciting your views.