Two competitors finish their race during a GoldSprints event at Gray Goat Bicycle Co. in Southport in November. The Franklin location of Gray Goat will host a GoldSprints on Saturday, and the public is invited to come out and compete or just watch.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
On your mark, get set, go.
In a flurry of furious pedaling, the two competitors push themselves as hard as their cycles will go. Cheers of encouragement urge the two competitors along. After 30 seconds or so, the race is over.
And neither bicycle moved an inch.
Gray Goat Bicycle Co. in Franklin is bringing GoldSprints to local competitors and onlookers. The event, scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, invites participants to hop onto specially mounted bicycles on rollers, then square off until the fastest racer is left standing.
People who don’t want to ride are encouraged to enjoy food, drink and other activities while cheering everyone on.
“It’s truly to get people back out and excited as spring is coming,” said Brandon Streeter, general manager at Gray Goat Bicycle Co. “It gets us all off the couch, and it’s something different.”
Goldsprints are bicycle rolling racing events with roots dating back to the earliest days of cycling. The current inception of the races is closely aligned with bicycle messenger culture, with what is believed to be the first event being held in Zurich, Switzerland as part of the 1999 Cycle Messenger World Championships.
The owner of a brewery in the city organized the initial GoldSprint, naming it after a brand of his beer, according to Bicycling magazine.
Stationary bikes are set on rollers, with a front wheel removed and the frame mounted in place. The rigs are connected to a computer system measuring distance and speed.
When the race starts, the two competitors have to pedal as fast as they can until crossing the digital finish line.
“Basically, it’s a timed sprint,” Streeter said. “You’re basically going all-out for 30 seconds, and then the winner moves on.”
Organizers work with IUPUI to arrange the bicycles and equipment for the event.
“It’s a single-speed bike, so they have to be identical. There is no advantage, they all have the exact same stuff,” Streeter said.
GoldSprints have grown in popularity over the years, and Gray Goat has previously held a number of competitions around their central Indiana locations.
This will be the first time for an event to be held in Franklin, though.
“It’s kind of something to do to get people out of the house. Why not throw something where people can come in, see all of their old friends they ride with and have some fun?” Streeter said.
Participants will be entered in a bracket on Saturday, with winners moving on after each round. The best competitors win prizes, Streeter said.
Anyone who is interested simply needs to come to the store and sign up. Food and drinks will be available, and organizers envision a laid-back gathering for riders and non-riders alike.
“The best part is that it’s not just for cyclists, it’s for anyone who wants to come by and have a good time,” Streeter said.
IF YOU GO
GoldSprints
What: A unique event pitting two racers against each other on fix-mounted bicycles on rollers. Prizes will go to the fastest racers, and food and beverages will be available.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Gray Goat Bicycle Co., 25 E. Court St., Franklin
Information: graygoatsports.com
