What’s happening at Rentschler Field in the center of our town remains a mystery for many of East Hartford’s 51,000 residents.
That is because the 19-year-old state-owned venue neglects to publicize most activities which are planned or scheduled at the $92 million stadium support by the town’s local legislative delegation with additional bonding for renovations and subsidies for the University of Connecticut’s financially needy football program. Large for-profit entities breeze into town, set up expensive events, beer tents and souvenir booths and then blow out of town with no thought to promoting or attracting local residents living within the shadow of the state-owned stadium to the events taking place just down the road from where they live in East Hartford.
There still isn’t a stadium sign along Silver Lane which could give a hint to local residents about the events that the state schedules. Nor is the town any help. East Hartford has no stadium events posted on its website, Town Hall’s official newsletter, or even on the town’s fancy $150,000 digital LED limestone billboard downtown on Main Street.
And, despite decades of promise, pedestrian sidewalks into the stadium were never constructed, public transportation into the venue was never done, and Raytheon, owner of the sprawling Pratt & Whitney Aircraft campus and its mostly vacant acres of asphalt parking lots, has rejected all recent appeals to open up or bridge a gap in the East Coast Greenway along the Willow Brook.
But Tuesday bicycle use, despite all obstacles, has found a way. And it is the future generation of our state that is discovering skills on the underutilized parking lots where only grasshopper sparrows used to reside on warm summer evenings as they are coached and learn skills through friendly, two-wheeled competition. Hosted by the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program (CCAP) a criterium series of bike races attracts families and spectators now through August 17.
Barring bad weather, CCAP will this week host its final junior-specific cycling race starting at 5 p.m. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to cheer the young cyclists on. Admission and parking are both free – a real break for spectators who typically pay $20 for the privilege of parking in the state-owned lots. Three different levels of races take place, with awards and recognition. Sponsored by the East Hartford’s office of CT Ear, Nose and Throat Associates, the bike races are for those age 18 and under. Another local East Hartford business, CT Feline with offices on Connecticut Boulevard, supports the popular CCAP races and the cycling development program.
First, young riders under 14 race for 10 miles, a competition that usually takes about 20 minutes. Next comes the older under-18 group starting immediately following, a 45-minute event. The B Race starts at 6 p.m. and is 20 miles, and takes about 50 minutes. Then comes the top level, or A Race, at around 7 p.m. The A Race covers about 25 miles, or about 60 minutes.
CCAP registered youth riders participate at no charge. The fee for non-registered CCAP youths and adult racers ranges from $10 to $15. Registration can be done the day of the race at the CCAP tent – or pre-register on Bikereg.com.
Event organizers, which include Horst Engineering, host CCAP events throughout the state. Another takes place at the Bush Hill Preserve in the fall and is a trail event hosted by the Manchester Land Conservation Trust. The flatter, faster criterium Rentschler Field bike races teach faster-paced skills and cornering techniques. But the goal of all the organized bike racing events is to encourage all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the sport in a safe environment.
Top three winners receive awards and recognition at the event and on CCAP’s Facebook page.
All ages and abilities are invited. This year an ice cream truck has been added for all to enjoy, and families are welcome to tailgate with cookout materials, tents, chairs, food or beverages for a night out with the cycling community.
Helmets, signed waivers and registration is required for all participants. The CCAP supports responsible riding habits so youth can ride hard, have fun, and be safe. Cycling is a lifelong sport. The CT Cycling Advancement Program’s mission is to ensure everyone has access and exposure to an organized cycling league. Visit ctcyclingadvancement.org or contact CCAP at info@ctcyclingadvancement.com FMI.
