"Wheel Around the Hub" bicycle race, Smethport, PA

On September 14, 2013 CSO owner, Steve Putt, and CSO summer seasonal employee, Matt Frank, took on the “Wheel Around the Hub” bike race in Smethport, PA.  The two were accompanied by Bill Gerber, Ridgway resident and friend of CSO.  The three participated in the 15 mile event (a 53 mile race is also offered as part of the event).   For Matt and Bill, this had become an annual event and something that they had participated in several times before.  For Steve, this was his first experience in the Smethport race. 

The “Wheel Around the Hub” has roots in Smethport that dates back as early as 1892 when the first bike race was organized in Smethport.  During the period of 1892-1899 a dentist, and two jewelers, all of which were members of the Smethport Bicycle Club (the dentist also happened to sell Rambler bicycles and the jeweler was a Columbia bicycle dealer) hosted an annual bike race in Smethport.  The winner received a gold watch.  Today, that heritage continues with the annual Wheel Around the Hub bike race, which is a fundraiser event for the Smethport Volunteer Fire Department.  As homage to the heritage of the race, the winner of the 53 mile race receives a gold watch.

The CSO trio pedaled to respectable 12^th, 13^th and 23^rd place finishes in the 15 mile race.  The finish of the 53 mile race proved to be very exciting as several riders were jockeying for the top spot.  Overall the event is well organized, very spectator friendly and the small historic town of Smethport is the perfect backdrop for an event like this. Possibly the highlight of the event is the after party and awards reception, which featured good food, awesome music (local band called the Hamlin Station Band), nice door prices, very nice age group awards, and good comradely among the fellow cyclists.  Throw in the history of bike races in Smethport and you have one awesome little event in this part of the Pennsylvania Wilds.