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Before I talked to Bill Davis of Reidsville Bicycles, I had no idea what a criterium was. Now, I have visions of bicyclists swishing through corners and blasting across finish lines as spectators cheer from the sidewalks, giving downtown Reidsville a festival atmosphere.

On Saturday, July 25, the Downtown Merchants Association will be hosting the first Tour of Reidsville Criterium.

A criterium is a bicycle race that takes place on a short course, often through the center of a city.

Reidsville’s course is a half-mile. It starts on Scales Street, runs around the monument to Morehead, onto Southwest Market, and then along Settle Street. The start and finish line will be at Scales and Gilmer.

A criterium, or crit as cyclists call the race, is based on time, not distance. The cyclists circle the course for 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the class in which they are competing. An official on a motorcycle follows the pack and disqualifies any rider who falls behind by a lap.

When the bicyclists can go one more lap in the remaining time, a bell is rung. The first person to cross the finish line on the last lap wins the race.

The prizes in the Reidsville race are medals and cash, between $300 and $800.

Cyclists compete in 10 classes. The event is sanctioned by USA Cycling, and racers have to be licensed by that organization. A one-day license can be purchased at the event for $10. The entry fee is $25.

The races begin at noon with Category 5 riders, broken out according to age, and move to progressively faster rides until the event ends with the Men’s Pro category.

Both the Men and Women’s Pro races and the Women’s Open will be broadcast live on WGSR 39 and 47.

Chad Andrews, a criterium announcer who travels nationally to call races, will announce the race.   

Davis says: “By its nature, a criterium is the most spectator-friendly bike race.”

That is because the course is so short and accessible. People can sit in restaurants along the course and watch as the racers go by, or they can duck in and out of downtown shops between laps.

The race is based on the Tour of Somerville (New Jersey), the oldest bike race in the country, which was held near Davis’ previous home.

 “It was what we did every Memorial Day weekend. We wouldn’t miss it,” he said.

Davis has lived in Reidsville for almost two years, having moved here to be closer to his sister and parents, who relocated to North Carolina.

His move was the culmination of a “five-year plan” to move south and open a bike shop. As part of the plan, he took his 25-year love of biking and worked at a Schwinn dealer in New Jersey to learn the trade before moving here and opening the only bike shop in the county.

“Rockingham and Caswell counties are the best places to ride in the state,” Davis said. “There is not a lot of traffic, the roads are well kept, the scenery is nice. This is a very popular area for groups of riders.”

Davis recently had a visitor in his shop who had cycled all over the world. The man told Davis he drove up from Charlotte to bicycle in Rockingham County because he considers this a world-class biking destination.

Davis expects at least 200 riders in the criterium. With their friends, families, and supporters attending, the event could bring in as many as 600 people and be a big boost for the local economy. It will also be an entertaining event for county residents.

“Remember, this is the first annual,” Davis said. He’s looking forward to many more Tours of Reidsville. 

Joni Carter lives in the Bethany community. Contact her at writetojonicarter@gmail.com