VUELTA A
PUERTO SHELDON
Tour of Port Sheldon Bicycle Road Races
SUNDAY, JUNE 18 – Fathers Day 2017
USA CYCLING-sanctioned One-Day Classic Road Race – Permit No. 2017-829
Comparable to Spain’s breathtaking Mediterranean seacoast, Vuelta a Puerto Sheldon bestows upon its
riders, families and race fans the attraction of racing along the magnificent Michigan Riviera for the
Midwest’s newest circuit road race. The inaugural Vuelta a Puerto Sheldon–Tour of Port Sheldon—provides
a full day’s worth of exciting bicycling racing action amidst unsurpassed serene, natural surroundings on an
exceptional—and exceptionally fast—20 kilometer, nine-turn course. Racers of all experience, from novice to
expert, are invited and will test their skills navigating the flat, fast route whose characteristics are likely to
change throughout the day as prevailing westerly winds usher typically unpredictable summer seashore
weather upon the assembled grupo compacto. Fun for everyone! ¡Feliz Dia de Padres! Happy Fathers Day!
presented by Family Fare and Prepare For Media
La ruta de Vuelta a Puerto Sheldon—the race course—speeds arrow-straight past conifer forests and rolls
through peaceful lakeside neighborhoods before sweeping upon the most popular, winding lakeshore drive
in West Michigan. Then it incorporates a popular, punchy, paved sand dune climb until it encircles two new
creek-crossed Ottawa County parklands. Past vibrant, world-renown fruit groves and nutrient-rich vegetable
fields, the course sprints to its finish—quite literally—at the steps of the Church of God: Iglesia de Dios
Septimo Dia, Port Sheldon’s Church of God 7th Day. Like Spain’s Classica San Sebastian one-day classic race
along the Atlantic coast, and its namesake Vuelta a Espana Grand Tour stage race through picturesque
western Europe, Vuelta a Puerto Sheldon provides racers, families and friends a memorable visit to the Lake
Michigan coast—America’s own Michigan Riviera. ¡Muy bonita y muy traquilo! Beautiful and very peaceful!
VUELTA A PUERTO SHELDON
Tour of Port Sheldon Road Races
Sunday, June 18 - Dia de Padres - Fathers Day 2017
$40 per race / $30 for Juniors / $10 off 2nd race Fields: 50 (Cats 3/4 and up: 100)
START
Flight One 8:30 a.m.
brief intervals thereafter
Flight Two 10:30 a.m.
brief intervals thereafter
FREE KIDS RACE 1 p.m.
Flight Three 1:30 p.m.
brief intervals thereafter
CATEGORIES
CAT 5 MenA
CAT 5 Men 35+A
CAT 4/5 WomenB
CAT 4/5 Women 35+B
JRs 15-18 Boys/GirlsC
JRs 9-14 Boys/GirlsC
CAT 1, 2, 3, 4 Men 35+D
CAT 3/4 MenD
P, 1, 2, 3 WomenE
CAT 3/4 WomenE
< 7 yr & > 7 yr
P, 1, 2, 3 Men
CAT 4/5 Men
CAT 3/4/5 Women
A B D E – May be combined
DISTANCE (approx)
40k / 22mi / 2 laps
40k / 22mi / 2 laps
40k / 22mi / 2 laps
40k / 22mi / 2 laps
40k / 22mi / 2 laps
20k / 11mi / 1 lap
80k / 44mi / 4 laps
80k / 44mi / 4 laps
80k / 44mi / 4 laps
80k / 44mi / 4 laps
S/F Line 200m
120k / 66mi / 6 laps
80k / 44mi / 4 laps
60k / 33mi / 3 laps
PODIUM AWARDS
Merchandise
Merchandise
Merchandise
Merchandise
Merchandise
Merchandise
Merchandise
Merchandise
$40, $20, $10 + Merch
Merchandise
Big Hugs
$40, $20, $10 + Merch
Merchandise
Merchandise
C – Mixed gender, score/award separately
presented by Family Fare and Prepare For Media
VUELTA A PUERTO SHELDON
TECHNICAL GUIDE
Online registration thru USAC opens upon permit approval (a small registration service fee is added) and
closes on Thurs., June 15, 9 p.m. ET. Registration is then on-site, day-of. Total entry fee includes $3.75
surcharge for USAC supplemental insurance coverage.
Raceday Registration fees are $10 greater than those listed on this flier.
All racers must be USAC licensed, but it’s okay if you’ve never been licensed before now. La Vuelta and
USAC welcomes new racers and will assist in every way possible to make your experience an enjoyable one.
We welcome you to the racing family and want you to enjoy racing. ¡Bienvenidos! Buy your annual- ($70) or
one day-license ($10. Or $5 for USAC Ride members) when registering online, or if registering day-of. All
race-day transactions are Cash Only ($US), Exact Amount Only (no change).
Riders registering for more than one race get $10 off the second race fee.
Road Races are listed by flights. All categories in the respective flight should be at the start line by the
listed flight time—in the event that categories are combined, and to receive officials’ instructions. Each race
will then begin incrementally, as determined and announced by race officials at that time. Separately listed
road races may be combined if fewer than a dozen riders are registered in each category. However, the final
decision will be made by the race director after consultation with the Chief Referee and Starter. It’s the
desire of Vuelta a Puerto Sheldon to have all categories race as listed. So recruit your friends or teammates
to join in the racing fun. For many it’s not always about winning a podium placement; sometimes just
finishing is an accomplishment. This is a USAC -sanctioned race; we will put you in position to do your best.
Registration size may affect race director’s decision to combine categories upon conference with USAC
officials, yet every reasonable effort will be made to keep listed categories separate—as posted—for racers’
benefit. Again, review this flier and technical guide for details on scoring and awards.
Registration is at Iglesia de Dios Septimo Dia. Indoor restrooms are available there. Please no parking on
the course. No Follow cars. Riders are encouraged to carry tube/pump/lever in case of puncture.
Registration closes 30 minutes before listed race start.
Choice of bike(s) to race is the individual rider’s. Bikes must meet USAC regulations (see page 36 of USAC
rules for details). They may not have clip-on bars. Jerseys must have sleeves. The course is reconnoitered
using UCI-reg, carbon fiber, sprint-geometry road frameset with 23mm tyres. Bicycle racing is generally
about the engine (heart, legs, spirit) not the motor (bike). Centerline rule in effect the entire course.
presented by Family Fare and Prepare For Media
VUELTA A PUERTO SHELDON
TECHNICAL GUIDE (continued)
Feed Zone is near the start/finish line for races of three laps or greater, beginning on lap 2. Riders discard
nutrition waste only in the Feed Zone. Soigneurs: complimentary trash bins for your waste are provided
within the Feed Zone. Unless you wish to take your trash with you, please use these bins. ¡Mucho gracias!
All USAC rules apply. Bike helmets must be worn at all times while on the bike. Preliminary race results will
be posted for 15 minutes allowing for protest and then are official.
Races go, rain or shine. Obey USAC officials at all times as they determine much, including any relegations,
disqualifications, postponements, cancellations, et al. There are no refunds of registration fees for any
reason. Obey Ottawa County Sheriff officials and course marshals.
Awards are earned by podium finishers and come in the form of merchandise, cash, or a combination of
each as noted above. These are the least amounts that will be awarded, but more is possible. Category 5
racers please note: USAC does not allow cash awards in the novice category for any sanctioned race. Earn
your upgrade points—i.e. finishing your mass start races of required length and, by the way, La Vuelta offers
you two such races on this day!—and arrive at Category 4 hungry and determined for podium placements!
Beware: Similar to Spanish countryside, Port Sheldon Township and Ottawa County are home to wildlife,
horses and other livestock, and pets that do not always obey manmade barriers. Beware of animals,
agricultural and work trucks and local vehicles that may enter the race course. Keep your own dogs/pets
leashed. Before and between races enjoy the sights of songbirds, hawks, turkeys, deer, foxes, groundhogs,
aficionados and other wildlife that visit or call this area home.
Thanks to Ottawa County Sheriff Department, Port Sheldon Township, the church board and congregation
at Iglesia de Dios Septimo Dia, Family Fare Supermarkets and residents along the race route, Vuelta a Puerto
Sheldon road races are held on an immaculate, well-marked and -maintained course, and promise to be a
spectacular day of racing. You will thoroughly enjoy the challenge and the rewards. Please remember:
Respect all riders, communicate on and near the course, be safe, and above all—have fun!
Detailed directions to the course and parking are noted below, after this Technical Guide.
presented by Family Fare, Prepare For Media
VUELTA A PUERTO SHELDON
TECHNICAL GUIDE (continued)
RIDDEN/REMAIN (approximate)
RUTA CARTA BELOW (subject to change)
SEE STRAVA COURSE ONLINE
nd
0.0 k / 17.2 k – RACE START at 6934 152 Ave.—Iglesia de Dios Septimo Dia – Road Surface: Excellent
0.3 k / 16.9 k – STRAIGHT past Blair Street
1.2 k / 16.0 k – RIGHT turn onto Port Sheldon Street
-- Road Surface: Excellent
3.1 k / 14.1 k – Pass Port Sheldon Fire Station
3.2 k / 14.0 k – Pass Port Sheldon Township Hall
3.3 k / 13.9 k – RIGHT turn onto Holly Drive
-- Road: Excellent (Heavy)
4.4 k / 12.8 k – LEFT turn onto Blair Street
-- Road Surface: Excellent
4.6 k / 12.6 k – RIGHT turn onto Butternut Drive
-- Road Surface: Very Good
4.9 k / 12.3 k – STRAIGHT onto Lake Shore Drive (U.S. Bicycle Route 35)
-- Road Surface: Very Good
5.4 k / 11.8 k – Pass Pigeon Lake & Pigeon River
5.6 k / 11.6 k – Pass Sheldon Shores Park & Boat Launch
6.1 k / 11.1 k – Pass beneath Consumers Energy truss 1
6.3 k / 10.9 k – CROSS Railroad tracks
6.5 k / 10.7 k – Pass beneath Consumer Energy truss 2
7.2 k / 10.0 k – 10 kilometer TO-GO Banner
7.5 k / 9.7 k – RIGHT turn onto Croswell Street
-- Road Surface: Excellent
th
10.2 k / 8.0 k – STRAIGHT past 160 Ave.
11.2 k / 7.0 k – STRAIGHT past 168th Ave.
12.2 k / 6.0 k – STRAIGHT past Pigeon Creek Drive
13.2 k / 5.0 k – 5 kilometer TO-GO Banner
13.3 k / 4.9 k – RIGHT turn onto West Olive Drive
-- Road Surface: Excellent
th
13.8 k / 3.4 k – RIGHT turn onto 144 Ave.
-- Road Surface: Excellent
14.1 k / 3.1 k – RIGHT turn onto Baldwin Street
-- Road Surface: Good
nd
16.1 k / 1.1 k – LEFT turn onto 152 Ave.
-- Road Surface: Excellent
16.2 k / 1.0 k – 1 kilometer TO-GO Banner
16.7 k / 0.5 k – STRAIGHT past Tyler Street
16.7 k / 500m – 500m TO-GO Flag
17.0 k / 200m – 200m TO-GO Flag
17.2 k / 0.0 k – RACE FINISH at 6934 152nd Ave.—Iglesia de Dios Septimo Dia
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VUELTA A PUERTO SHELDON
TECHNICAL GUIDE (continued) RUTA CARTA OFICIAL / ROUTE MAP (subject to change)
Racing starts at Port Sheldon’s Iglesia de Dios Septimo Dia on 152nd Ave., between Tyler and Blair streets
then proceeds clockwise on Port Sheldon, Holly, Blair, Butternut, Lake Shore (U.S. Bicycle Route 35),
Croswell, West Olive, 144th and Baldwin, returning to 152nd for the sprint finish in front of the church.
presented by Family Fare, Prepare For Media
VUELTA A PUERTO SHELDON
TECHNICAL GUIDE (continued)
LA VUELTA PUERTO SHELDON PROFILE
(Subject to change. unit of measurement: feet/miles)
MORE ON AWARDS: Merchandise and cash purses are compiled and distributed as reward for riders
who’ve exhibited remarkable effort and achieved a podium placement. Too, they are offered to add flair and
exclamation to a raceday that’s purposefully spiced with international flavor. As bicycle racers we know that
suffering—whether to win, or not to lose, or with some other individual accomplishment in mind—is one of
many common characteristics that all cyclists share. Rejoice on raceday that we all share basic likenesses on
the bike, and off. Race winners who vanquish opponents, conquering all that La Vuelta course and
competitors can offer, will cover their matted sweaty self with the coveted Vuelta maillot rojo and more:
MAILLOT ROJO
VUELTA A
PUERTO
SHELDON
MORRION
CORDOBES
VUELTA A PUERTO SHELDON PRIZE PURSE (examples)
presented by Family Fare, Prepare For Media
PORT SHELDON & COUNTY PARKS ALONG/NEAR LA VUELTA
ZWEMER
WINDSNEST
SHELDON
SHORES
START
FINISH
KOUW
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PORT SHELDON & COUNTY PARKS ALONG/NEAR LA VUELTA (continued)
The Vuelta a Puerto Sheldon’s nearly 20-kilometer circuit on smooth fast asphalt and concrete
encompasses no fewer than four county and township parks while skirting three additional Lake Michigan
beachside havens that allow riders who’ve completely drained their reserves during the heat of competition
to relax undisturbed from their exertions in unrivaled tranquility mere meters from site of their soon-to-bestoried bicycle attacks. Port Sheldon and county beach parks have parking and restrooms. More detailed
descriptions of these parks follows, and the map above reveals each park’s location and its proximate
distance from La Vuelta race route. (Park descriptions by Port Sheldon Township and Ottawa County).
Port Sheldon Township maintains free-to-use parks throughout the Township for recreational purposes. It
boasts approximately 15 miles of bicycle paths and they are spectacular. Enjoy them on your cool down, and
pedaling to-and-from the beach parks the day before or day of the race.
Kouw Park (PS) is 3.7 acres in size, located along 200 feet of beachfront on Lake Michigan at the end of Van
Buren Road. The park features include picnic areas, play equipment, restrooms and parking.
Windsnest Park (PS) is located on 4 acres of land and provides large sandy beach front on Lake Michigan
for the public to enjoy. The main activities include swimming and picnicking. The park also provides play
equipment, restrooms, and improved parking facilities.
Sheldon Shores Park (PS) is situated on approximately 6 to 7 acres of land located on the north side of the
Pigeon River just east of Lakeshore Drive. This area includes street right-of-way in which the road has been
unused, along with a strip of woods between the river and the right-of-way. The park has three land boat
launches which enable sportsmen access to the Pigeon River.
Zwemer Park (PS) is comprised of 3.2 acres of wooded land located along the Stanton Road right-of-way
between Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan. This piece of land is generally used as parking for beach users
and does not have improved facilities at this point in time.
Township Recreational Park (PS) is located on 40 acres of land near the center of the Township. Also
located on this parcel is the Township Hall and the Fire Station. Indoor facilities include a gymnasium/multipurpose room, a kitchen area and a public restroom, available on a rental basis. Outdoor facilities include a
softball diamond, tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic and play equipment, shuffle board and parking.
presented by Family Fare, Prepare For Media
PORT SHELDON & COUNTY PARKS ALONG/NEAR LA VUELTA (continued)
Kirk Park (OC) stretches along Lake Michigan's shoreline for over 1/3 mile and boasts 68 acres of sandy
beach, high bluffs and wooded dunes. Nature trails with wooden stairways wind through the wooded dunes,
offering spectacular views of Lake Michigan. A paved path leads to a deck overlooking the beach and Lake
Michigan. This is a popular park for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and cross country skiing. There is a
vehicle parking fee charged here.
Olive Shores Park (OC) is a mostly wooded 20-acre site that includes a mature beech-maple-hemlock
forest, a steep dune formation, and 738’ of Lake Michigan frontage. It includes a paved parking area, modern
restrooms, a barrier-free trail loop, and an extensive series of stairs and boardwalks traversing the dune and
providing access to the sandy beach. Decks provide seating and views of Lake Michigan and host a display
highlighting the property as the site of a scene from the Hollywood film, "Road to Perdition," starring Tom
Hanks. Summer parking is $7 per vehicle, payment by self-service station.
Pine Bend Park (OC) offers 239 acres of woods and wetlands along the Pigeon River, with more than six
miles of trails for hiking and cross country skiing meandering through bottomland and upland forest, old pine
plantations and along the river. Trails connect to Hemlock Crossing on the east end of the property. Pine
Bend is also the site of beautiful ceremonial trellis and the Weaver House, a restored 1901 home that is
available to reserve for meetings, weddings and other activities.
Hemlock Crossing (OC) offers 239 acres of woods and wetlands along the Pigeon River. Over six miles of
trails meander through bottomland and upland forest, old pine plantations and along the river. Trails
connect to Pine Bend County Park on the west end of the property. A pedestrian bridge and numerous
overlooks offer scenic views.
Situated perfectly within the 2017 summer road race calendar, Vuelta a Puerto Sheldon ushers in riders
who are gathering form for the race season, and it feeds the local appetite of fans following international
pro racing who’ve already felt the excitement of the Spring Classics in Northern Europe, the Vuelta Mexico in
March, the Giro d’Italia Grand Tour in May, and who are excited for the forthcoming Spanish Grand Tour
Vuelta a Espana in September and Mexico’s Vuelta Chihuahua Internacional in October. A reminder: Norway
hosts the UCI World Road Race Championships in September after Vuelta a Espana.
This Tour of Port Sheldon race route is a forested loop of approximately 11 miles nestled within the Lake
Macatawa watershed to the north and south, to the west the glacial-carved inland sea Lake Michigan, with
its ancient deposited dune lands, and fertile fruit and vegetable farmlands to the east. Travel safe, arrive
aroused (a cycling racing term), communicate with others on the course, and race con mucho gusto!
For sponsorship opportunities or more information contact us at Prepare For Media.
presented by Family Fare, Prepare For Media
DETAILS ON USA CYCLING AND PORT SHELDON TOWNSHIP
Why a USAC-sanctioned race? It is the vision of USA Cycling to
make ours the most successful country in the world of
competitive cycling. USAC’s mission is to achieve sustained
success in international cycling competition while growing
competitive cycling in America and delivering exceptional
customer experience.
La Vuelta Puerto Sheldon has been created to assist USAC to
advance that mission, to provide such nationally-recognized
opportunities for bicyclists of both genders and all ages so they
can experience challenging racing in a safe, officiated and
enjoyable atmosphere where competitors are matched by
experience and skill set and where the rules of competition are
consistent and consistently applied by nationally certified
referees for guaranteed fairness—regardless of the level or rank
of racer, or the race, or its location in the country. Additionally,
as a rider in a USAC-sanctioned race, anyone can identify how
he or she measures against others in the national ranking
system that includes USAC -licensed racers in every discipline—
within your state, the country, by age, gender, even ZIP Code.
The goals of Vuelta organizers and sponsors enhance those of
USAC. We want to create an event and host it in a setting where
you, your friends and family, fans and visitors can all have fun!
Traverse
City
Saginaw
Grand Haven
Grand Rapids
Holland
Chicago
South Bend
Detroit
Toledo
Fort Wayne
Indianapolis
Accessibility of ruta de la Vuelta to the rest of Michigan and the Midwest is terrific. Located on the shore of
Lake Michigan in Ottawa County, six miles north of internationally recognized Holland and 10 miles south of
the state’s tourist Mecca known as the Tri-Cities (Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg), the Port Sheldon
race course is mere seconds west of highway U.S. 31, a stretch of the motorists’-popular Lake Michigan
Scenic Tour. The ruta even includes a sensational section of U.S. Bicycle Route 35, its overall length
stretching from New Buffalo at the Indiana state line to the border with Canada at Sault St. Marie in
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Distance to Port Sheldon (mi.): Chicago—150 Detroit—180 Grand Rapids—28
Indianapolis—225 Fort Wayne—180 Saginaw—150 South Bend—90 Toledo—210 Traverse City—160.
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FEW FINAL WORDS, THEN ADIOS ‘TIL RACEDAY
DIRECTIONS AND PARKING: Races are held along the pristine Lake Michigan coastal zone in the
picturesque community of Port Sheldon Township, equidistant between Holland and Grand Haven, Mich.,
due west of Grand Rapids. The start/finish line is precisely 6934 152 nd Avenue, West Olive, Mich., 49460, at
the iconic, wood-framed Iglesia de Dios Septimo Dia, the Church of God, 7th Day in Port Sheldon.
From U.S. Hwy. 31, go west on Port Sheldon St., then north (right) on 152 nd Ave. There is free but limited
parking at Iglesia de Dios Septimo Dia. There is considerable free parking nearby at a) Sheldon Woods
Elementary School on Blair St., between 152nd and 144th Ave., and at b) Port Sheldon Township Hall and
Recreation Park & Playground at the intersection of Port Sheldon Street and Holly Drive, along La Vuelta race
course. Always beware of bicyclists and pedestrians, and drive cautiously before, during and after your race.
RaceClean is the USAC anti-doping program. Cheaters are dopes, and doping
is cheating. It undermines the principles which make participating in sport
worthwhile and is one of the most common concerns among USAC’s
membership. That is why USAC collaborates with riders, teams, Local
Associations and Race Directors (including the Vuelta a Puerto Sheldon race
director), the U.S. Anti-doping Agency, Cycling Anti-doping Foundation and
the World Anti-doping Agency to fight doping at every level of the sport. All
athletes deserve a level playing field and sense of fairness in their
competition. RaceClean funds anti-doping tests administered by USADA at
both the elite and amateur levels of cycling. Testing works. Penalties—even
for amateurs—can be significant. A first-time offender can be suspended from
the sport for up to four years, and a second offense can lead to a lifetime
suspension. Find out more about RaceClean.
Volunteers, whether at the Tour of California, Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana or Vuelta a Puerto Sheldon,
are a key component to creating and providing a successful cycling event for everyone who experiences it.
Volunteers with La Vuelta will have unrivaled views of the racing, be fed through the day, and leave for
home with keepsakes unique to the Vuelta. Registered racers or their family members who volunteer for at
least half the day can have half their advance registration fee returned in exchange for their commitment to
the race.
Contact the race organizers at Prepare For Media for sponsorship, volunteer, or any other information.
presented by Family Fare, Prepare For Media