River Ratz participates in CRIT race

<p class="p1">Four members of the local youth bike organization Trips for Kids - River Ratz Cycling participated in the Juniors CRIT race on Sunday, July 31.

<p class="p1">The race was part of the two-day, three-event Great Egyptian Omnium, which brought cyclists of all levels in the Midwest to the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds for the weekend.

<p class="p1">The junior riders completed three laps on a closed course around the fairgrounds.

<p class="p1">"I'm proud of how they all did," said Trips for Kids President Tom Welge. "It was the first time they raced with officials and timing.

<p class="p1">"It was a race like the big guys do and they all did really well."

<p class="p1">CRIT stands for criterium, a type of race which consists of several laps around a closed circuit. Welge said the July 31 course was a little under a mile in length and the race lasted about 20 minutes.

<p class="p1">"We're planning four rides in the fall," Welge said. "Because of the weather, some of the rides in the fall are nicer and the parents agree too.

<p class="p1">"We've scouted out some new locations and hopefully get some new kids involved in the program."

<p class="p1">Welge was also asked for his thoughts on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeking public input to allow cycling in the Middle Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge, which is about a mile west of Rockwood.

<p class="p1">"I think it would be great," Welge said. "The Shawnee National Forest and our Middle Mississippi area I think would be a great addition to get people in to appreciate and enjoy those lands."

<p class="p1">The comment period on the Middle Mississippi NWR proposal ends Monday, Aug. 8. Input on the proposal can be sent to <span class="s1">middlemiss@fws.gov</span> or called directly to the NWR office at 618-241-7156.

<p class="p1">Copies of the proposal are also available by calling the NWR office.

<p class="p1">"Another area could be the Turkey Bluffs area with the downhills that we have," Welge said. "It's a shame to see it in the disrepair it is now with the trails overgrown."