To the editor:

When I went downtown for two appointments Friday morning, I was grumpy and irritable that I had to park so far away because of some “dumb bicycle race on Massachusetts Street.”

However, I had some time between the two appointments and was able to talk to some of the participants and their coaches. This is a national event of some importance. Because bicycling is not considered a sport by most Division I and II universities and colleges, the participants, many of whom are Olympic-quality athletes, must pay their own way to attend even the national finals.

When I actually got to stand next to the fence and watch the races up close, I was thrilled. It was an amazing, exhilarating experience. I hope that we can keep the race downtown, but at the same time, somehow accommodate the merchants who are inconvenienced financially and physically by the race location.

I feel thrilled that such a significant event is occurring right here in my own little downtown and would like to see ongoing support for this very significant and exciting event. I am even willing to financially support its continuation both in favor of the bicyclists and the merchants. I hope that others feel the same. I am very proud to have this event here.

Ellie LeCompte,

Lawrence