THE MOST FUN YOU CAN PROBABLY HAVE RIDING A BIKE INSIDE A BAR. Local biking fanatic Derek Parr built a Goldsprints setup which debuted on Dec. 1 at the Mousetrap.

With the arrival of winter the time has come for many people unwilling to brave sub-zero temperatures, snow, salt, and wind to hang up the bike. Fortunately winter-wary cyclists now have a new option to stave off the wintertime cyclist blues with Goldsprints – a new stationary bike racing system that made its debut in Eau Claire on December 1 at The Mousetrap.

Goldsprints is a bicycle roller racing system where two identical bikes are affixed to a set of rollers by fork mounts. An electronic timing system tracks racers as they sprint as hard as they can for a given distance. The races have become an international phenomenon in recent years, but until recently there was a void in Wisconsin for people interested in giving them a shot. This was until EC Velo (Thursday night bike ride club) member Derek Parr built his own Goldsprints setup this fall.

“The races have become an international phenomenon in recent years, but until recently there was a void in Wisconsin for people interested in giving them a shot.”

Parr says he built the system to provide a way for cyclists in the area to be able to train and have fun in a social atmosphere during the winter. If the debut event is any sort of indicator, Parr accomplished his goal. Fifteen racers ranging from seasoned cyclists to regular bar-goers who hadn’t ridden in years gave Goldsprints a shot on its debut night. The racers signed waivers, were shown how the system works, and then the fun started. A clock on the projector screen counts down 3, 2, 1, Go!, and the bar is filled with the rumble of the rollers on the floor, wheels spinning, and spectators cheering as the screen shows each contender’s progress.

 

The pre-race intensity.

Parr explained that a big part of the appeal of Goldpsprints is the fact that anyone can step up and try them out regardless of their cycling prowess or knowledge. Goldsprints are unique from other cycling events largely because spectators can get involved beyond just watching.

“I really had no idea what it was at first,” admits spectator-turned racer Jennifer Strasburg, “but it was way more fun than I had expected.”

The debut event at the Trap featured two hours of qualifying runs and other events such as 1000m and 2000m races and “beer races,” and ended with the top four qualifying times racing a 500m final event. The grand prize? Drink tickets.

In case you missed the event on Dec. 1 and want to give it a try, don’t worry. Parr says he is planning on holding Goldsprint events every two or three weeks throughout the winter. It already returned to the Mousetrap on Dec. 15.

If you are interested in having Goldsprints at your event or have any questions Parr can be reached at ecvelo@gmail.com.