Tour of the Valley accelerates hubbub downtown

By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK

news@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Downtown, on a Sunday, is typically quiet.

That wasn’t the case when cyclists and spectators filled Central Square at Sunday’s criterium, a one-mile lap repeated 20-25 times with fast turns and quick sprints.

A loudspeaker blared, announcing the number of laps left in each event. Bike tires whistled on the pavement as the cyclists flew by in packs. Spectators lined the street at the start/finishline and cheered on their favorite. Restaurants opened early.

Events like the Tour of the Valley bike race bring new people downtown and into the businesses, said Miles Harris, kitchen manager for the Lemon Grove.

“A lot of new faces, nice people, a lot of people that haven’t been here before,” he said. “It increases foot traffic.”

The Lemon Grove opened at 7:30 a.m., three hours earlier than normal.

“If we have special events in town, we always try to open up a couple hours early to make sure the people can get what they want,” Harris said.

Debbie Vogt, of Salem, attended the event to watch her husband race.

She’s heard about revitalization projects in Youngstown, she said, and the race gave her a chance to see the progress first-hand.

“And, actually, it’s beautiful,” Vogt said. “I’m really impressed with it right now."

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.