Thursday Anticipation: Supplement

A couple of late-breaking developments to report.

1) FGBC Productions is proud to present:


What is a kermesse?

Kermesse is a general name for a bicycle race held on a short circuit of public roads, usually closed to other traffic. There is no precise definition; the same race can be called a criterium, but the origins of the name come from its frequent association with village fair - kermesse in French or kermis in Dutch - when a bike race would be another attraction of a village fête.

Round-the-houses [or in this case housebarns--ed.] races of this sort are still popular in the Netherlands, where dense population and busy roads make the organization of more classic cycle races more difficult than elsewhere. They were also popular in neighbouring Belgium but their number and the consequences on traffic, whether the roads were closed or not and even if the circuit were longer than the kilometre or two of the classic kermesse, led the government to restrict their number in 1967. Since then, the number has declined, although they remain popular in Holland.

What better place to have a Kermesse than historic Neubergthal? The people who built those housebarns have their roots in the Netherlands. It's only fitting that we bring some Dutch-style bike racing there as well. Post-race good times to follow in the Krahn Barn dance hall.

Here's some footage of a kermis in Belgium:




The KBK will take place on a route that is more gravel and grass than cobbles. Exprect something more like this.



Participation will be limited. If you want in, we would be willing to consider bribery.

This exciting event will take place the day before the Back 40 in Morden. I'm sure the good folks in Altona would be glad to help arrange accomodations for those who want to make a weekend out of it.


2) River Trail Parade Update

Last night's decision was to put the Parade & Party on the River Trail on HOLD till NEXT SUNDAY, Feb. 1st.

Only in Winnipeg can you have near record braking cold temperatures followed by above average temperatures!
The river trail snow removal has been completed to Assiniboine Park, but with this week's mild weather, the new ice is in very poor condition.
Paul wants to wait one more week.

BOTTOM LINE:
there absolutely will be a parade & party celebrating the river trail from The Forks to Assiniboine Park - some Sunday in the very near future :) !
I will keep you updated on this 'fluid' event ! (this gives you more time to prepare a parade outfit ! )

That makes it the same day as Icebike. Could be a long day.