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Ironman arrives Saturday; prepare to steer clear of bikers
U.S. 19 is one alternative to getting around the competition. Otherwise, you might have to wait.
By RITA FARLOW, Times Staff Writer
Published November 7, 2007
LARGO - Drivers beware. Bicyclists will have the right of way Saturday during the second annual Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3. And that means some delays for motorists traveling through Largo. The northbound lanes of Belcher Road, from Park Boulevard to Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, will be closed to vehicle traffic for the majority of the morning and part of the afternoon. "Obviously, that cuts right through the heart of Largo," said Heather Graves, Largo communications and marketing director. The southbound lanes of Belcher Road will be open, but westbound drivers who wish to make a left onto Belcher should take East Bay Drive or Ulmerton Road. Police will allow eastbound and westbound motorists to cross Belcher at those two intersections during breaks in bike traffic, but the frequency of those crossings is undetermined, said Largo Capt. Glen Smith. "A lot depends on just how much space we have between groups," Smith said. The closures will last from 8:55 a.m. to 12:43 p.m. Race officials provided the times based on estimates of the fastest and slowest riders. Motorists are asked to be patient with the delays or seek an alternate route, such as U.S. 19.
[Last modified November 6, 2007, 21:43:38]
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by Questioning
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11/08/07 09:10 AM
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WOW how about that RACE FOR LIFE!!!!! I don't remember how many miles ??? DO YOU? I really don't remember how many roads were closed. Oh NONE Fair play is my issue and maybe less disgruntle people if there is a cause for the disruption.
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by Lew
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11/07/07 06:28 PM
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yes I have a grudge! start paying taxes like the rest of us working schlubs!when a cyclist cause an accident,whose insurance has to pay. surely not the uninsured bicyclist.I could go on but I know this will fall on deaf ears.
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by Lynn
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11/07/07 09:47 AM
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What's w/the grudge against bicyclists? Did one attack you?
I live by Belcher & E. Bay and have to travel into Clearwater like so many others Saturday but I planned ahead and will drive a different route instead of name-calling the athletes & cops.
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by Lew
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11/07/07 06:33 AM
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ban this bullsxxt race it does nothing to help.some people have to get to and from work without being held up for these jerks.
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