Queen City Wheels

Cleves Results are in! The weather was not very cooperative as the rain, albeit mostly a light drizzle, started shortly before the first rider left the start line in Cleves and continued until the last rider crossed the finish line in North Bend.

Although this may not have been a fast night for everyone, there was one exception. Eli Banish rode up from his home near Rabbit Hash, KY and promptly set an all time course record for an 18-year-old in only his second ever attempt at Cleves! Incredibly, his time now also ranks as the 6th fastest time for all ages combined, matching the time of Francis Manfred in 2008.

We also just realized that Bella Kroutil, the 18-year-old rider from Bowling Green, KY that we highlighted last week had also set an incredibly fast time. Bella’s ride last week placed her #2 on the all time course records list for an 18-year-old female (only 5 seconds behind the leader!). She also now holds the 6th fastest time for all ages combined for a female.

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to both of these young riders from everyone here at Queen City Wheels!

Thanks to Ginny Lenahan and John Fischer for timing in the rain!

One week left to complete your paperwork FOR FREE online and save the onsite paperwork fee of $5 before online registration closes permanently. Pay nothing until you show up for your first night of racing.

If you want to also pay online before registration closes you can get FIVE weeks of racing for the price of FOUR. Only available online.

Wednesdays: 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1
Full event information: https://www.qcw.org/events/ault-park

BikeReg: https://www.bikereg.com/aultparkseries

The corn is ready early this year!

Whiskey City Challenge – some history: what started 11 years ago with a vision to bring high-level criterium racing to the tri-state has become one of the region’s premier cycling events. Originally created as part of the USA Crits weekend alongside Madeira and Hyde Park, Whiskey City found its home in downtown Lawrenceburg—a riverfront city known for its historic downtown, welcoming community, walkable streets, and summer nightlife along the Ohio River. Over the years the race has welcomed elite riders from across the country, survived hurricanes, navigated the challenges of COVID, and created unforgettable nights filled with live music, packed sidewalks, and racing under the lights. From the early years led by founder Rick Hoeting, through five successful years under Mark Illingworth—including major growth in women’s racing—and now into a new chapter with first-year Event Director Tom Lewnard, Whiskey City has become more than a bike race. It’s a celebration of competition, community, and the energy of downtown Lawrenceburg on a summer night. Come and race or watch on July 18!

Registration is open and there are early-bird incentives - follow this link to register: https://www.bikereg.com/whiskey-city

More details are available at: https://www.qcw.org/events/whiskey-city-2025

Cleves Week 3 Results are in! The weather made for some fast times. We were blessed with high temps, high humidity (no rain), high Air Density Altitude (almost 3’000’) and a wind out of the southwest at 12 mph!

We had one new rider who drove from Bowling Green, KY to join the fun. A big welcome to Bella Kroutil, a 17-year-old junior racer who only recently returned from racing in The Netherlands. She is currently training for a spot on the US Olympic Team (racing as a pro for Fount Cycling Guild). Her nine road races so far in 2026 have resulted in four 1st Places and four 2nd Places! It is also interesting to note that Bella finished 2nd in our very own Whiskey City Challenge in 2025 in the Women’s Cat 1/2/3 Race (as a junior!).

Thanks to Ginny Lenahan and Steve Terschak for assisting at the Start/Finish!

It was a sunny and fast evening at the second Cleves Time Trial on Tuesday night!

Todd Williams turned in the best time of the night, while Mike Finnegan achieved a personal PR. This is absolutely amazing, as Mike has been riding Cleves for 33 years! This is positive proof that we can all aspire to get better with age!

A big welcome to Sue Breitenstein, Mason Carter, and Steve Ellis, all of whom rode the course for the very first time! In addition, Steve Ellis wins the award for the greatest distance traveled. Steve drove from his home in Indianapolis to ride our world famous course!

And kudos to the Hamilton County Road Maintenance Department who repaired some of the more egregious potholes that had opened up on the course over this past winter.

Thanks to Ginny Lenahan for assisting with the timing. As always, much appreciated!

We'd love to see you next week! Details at qcw.org/events

QCW at Derby City Long Run Park Circuit race - mixing it up and knocking on the podium door 👊

We are very excited to confirm the 11th running of the Whiskey City Challenge on July 18. The venue is downtown Lawrenceburg, In and the course is unchanged - wide, fast and flat. The event provides great opportunities for racers across all categories and a vibey atmosphere for spectating. We have tweaked the race waves to enhance dedicated fields for juniors, women and masters and the prize money remains generous and equitable. We will update you with interesting posts as we approach race day.

Registration will open on May 15 and there are early-bird incentives - follow this link to register: https://www.bikereg.com/whiskey-city

More details are available at: https://www.qcw.org/events/whiskey-city-2025

TENTATIVE: The forecast looks good for holding our first race of this season on Saturday. Check back here for confirmation later this week.
Remember that you don't have to use a fat bike! Any bike capable of gravel and grass is welcome, fat, gravel, cross, mountain, and even road bikes with appropriate tires (recommend 33mm tires or larger). Any distance you want, start at 11:00.