You’ll want to check for possible last-minute changes before heading out to watch or participate in bicycling events because of growing concern over COVID-19. Organizers in the US and Italy have just started reacting to the epidemic.
So far, we have limitations at this weekend’s Seattle Bike Show and postponements of Seattle Bike Swap and Sea Otter Classic in the US, and a trio of spring classics in Italy.
Although I’m no doctor, I would assume that bicycling in itself is still a healthy pursuit. The fresh air and constant deep-breathing should provide beneficial exercise for your lungs.
But throw in the prospect of sharing food at rest stops on bike rides or being in close contact with spectators at a major race, and you can understand why organizers are postponing or cancelling events.
I’ve done a quick check of some upcoming events, and found a few postponements:
The Seattle Bike & Outdoor Show has been limited to Saturday (March 7) only; no Sunday show. The organizers of the annual event at Century Link Exhibition Center are offering free admission to the event because so many exhibitors pulled out.
“Out of respect for the sponsors and exhibitors that have traveled to Seattle to be part of this year’s show, and the consumer who have either already purchased tickets, or made plans to attend, the Seattle Bike Show will be open on Saturday only, with revised hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.”
Further, the organizers said “enhanced cleaning and sanitization” across the show.
Seattle Bike Swap, originally scheduled for March 22, has been postponed until June 14. The Cascade Bicycle Club postponed the bike swap following suggestions from local authorities.
Considering King County/Seattle is the epicenter for coronovirus in the US, it’s not surprising Cascade postponed the event. Further, the club wants to keep its members and staff safe, according to its response to the epidemic. The club recommends checking an event’s website to make sure it’s going off as planned.
For instance, the annual Cascade Training Series has not been cancelled this year, but the Cascade staff is recommending participants give themselves more physical space from others at the rides, avoid shaking hands, and skip a ride if they’re not feeling well.
The BikeWorks Auction has been postponed indefinitely from March 22. The Seattle-based nonprofit supports programs for youths and adults to repurpose used bikes.
“In light of recent public health concerns surrounding COVID-19, and with recent recommendations from Seattle King County Public Health to avoid large gatherings of people if possible, we have regrettably decided to postpone this event until further notice.”
The Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, has been postponed from its April 16-19 dates. Billed as North America’s largest cycling event, the event has been postponed by organizers until sometime in the summer. They hope to have a solid date by later next week. The event draws some 9,000 participants and 75,000 spectators.
In professional cycling, three Italian classics have been cancelled: Milan-San Remo, Tirreno-Adriatico, and the Tour of Sicily. The move closely follows the Union Cycliste Internationale on Wednesday said it would not cancel any races. RCS Sport, organizer of the Italian events, pulled the plug on those races on Friday.
Recent Comments