The 38th Annual Midwest Tandem Rally, a cycling event for tandem bicyclists, returns to the Miami Valley this Labor Day weekend for the first time since 2003. Approximately 350 tandem teams will descend upon Greene County and ride between 60 and 200 miles during the two organized rides.
“Working with the Midwest Tandem Rally organizers for the last two years has been wonderful. The planners and participants alike are passionate cyclists and just the type of people we want to attract for return visits to ride our one-of-a-kind trail network.” said Kathleen Young, Executive Director of the Greene County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.
The 2013 Midwest Tandem Rally is being hosted by the Greater Ohio Area Tandem Society (G.O.A.T.S.) with support from the Greene County Convention & Visitors Bureau. The rally attracts participants not just from the Midwest, but from all over the United States and even into Canada. Many riders take the opportunity to extend their stay by a few days to fully experience all the area has to offer. The organized rides on Saturday and Sunday will utilize mostly rural roads throughout Greene County but many teams will also take advantage of the trail network during their stay.
Organizers urge all motorists to make themselves of their surroundings and allow plenty of room when sharing the road with cyclists.
Pam Kulhanek, GOATS Midwest Tandem Rally Director, says “Local tandem teams that it is not too late to register for the event. The ride is a great opportunity to experience the Midwest Tandem Rally close to home. It is so much fun to meet and ride with people from all over the country and all walks of life who enjoy riding tandem. By the end of the weekend, you will be looking forward to next year and meeting up with all of the friends you have met.”
The Greene County Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates the economic impact of the rally at between $500,000 and $750,000. Hotels, restaurants, gas stations and Wright State University all directly benefit from the event.
Michael Miraglia, General Manager of the Holiday Inn in Fairborn had this to say about the Midwest Tandem Rally: “We are very excited to be hosting the MTR. Events this size don’t come around often and the fact that they have chosen Greene County and the Holiday Inn Dayton Fairborn is very gratifying. We are eagerly awaiting the event and we anticipate an incredible weekend.”
For additional information on the 2013 Midwest Tandem Rally, contact Pam Kulhanek at 937-287-7801. More information is available at http://mtr2013.org/
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