We're moving to Lock 3 in Downtown Akron! The site provides direct access to the Towpath Trail and free, convenient parking in the adjacent parking deck, which holds 650 vehicles. Registration will still include breakfast, lunch, live music and more. Details on the new routes will be posted soon and registration will open before March 1.
So why the change? The Towpath Trail is now complete in Summit County, and the new site lets us utilize more of the towpath and be part of a yearlong, countywide celebration of the trail. Lock 3 also has a lot to offer, including about 30 permanent flush toilets (so no porta-potties on site) and a large concession stand, which we can use for prep and food service. There is also plenty of storage and a great stage for live music
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I understand the positives and agree they are good. Still, the idea of so many people on the towpath and my road bike on that crushed limestone all day is a net not going to be there. I'll really miss it.
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ReplyDeleteI'm disappointed to learn that the location has been changed but more so that it will be entirely on the towpath. The past two years, they added a short stint on the towpath and it was much to my dismay. Not only did you have to contend with other cyclists on a narrow path but you also had to contend with runners and walkers, who were out there on their normal althetic routine. I felt awful that they had to face an onslaught of cyclists, particularly of that magnitude.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed the challenging routes in past years and feel the towpath in no way can compare with the routes from years past. The towpath simply offers litle challenge and not to mention is not ideal terrain for road bikes.
I've participated in STOMP for the past 10 years and enjoyed the routes each year; but I am sorry to say that I will not be in attendance this year. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.
I couldn't agree more with the other comments! There is now way I am taking my new road bike on that crushed limestone... I understand it is more family friendly, but why not offer a road route or two for more experienced cyclists?
ReplyDeleteI have ridden STOMP 5 of the last 6 years, it is my favorite ride in the area by far. Hopefully the organizers will include a road option next year, I am going to hate to miss it in 2012!
:(