Bicycling club plans Genoa race

Members of a Carson Valley bicycling club sought Genoans' blessing for a cyclocross bicycle race.

Mel Maalouf told members of the town board Tuesday the Alta Alpina Cycling Club was looking at two dates for the event, Oct. 29 or Nov. 12.

A cyclocross consists of a one-mile circuit for a set time that includes dirt, trails, grass fields and dismounts where bicyclists must get off the bike and run with it.

The proposed race course follows Jacks Valley Road to Fifth Street and over to Cord Alley and then to Genoa Park. Poplar, Genoa, Carson and Mill streets would be affected by the race.

Maalouf said there would be limited access to streets and Genoa Town Park during the event. The race would set up around 9 a.m. and wrap up about 1:30 p.m.

Cones and tape would be set up to mark the course, which has been selected to minimize the effect on grass, dirt and town roads.

When asked what benefit the race would have for the town, Maalouf said it brought customers to town businesses, something Christine Cole of the Genoa Trading Co. confirmed.

Town Board Chairman Bill Donohoe said he supported the race because it fostered recreation.

The board voted 4-1 to support the race with member Bo Bottiggi voting against.