OGDEN -- A 105-mile Top of Utah bike tour Saturday generated more cachet than cash for a proposed $15 million velodrome and field house in Ogden.
The Tour de Drome attracted about 110 riders and raised about $5,500 through registration fees, said Josh Jones, Ogden's unofficial bicycle coordinator. The participation would likely have been better had it not rained Saturday morning, Jones said.
"Riders are finicky about the weather," said Jones, who had hoped 500 bicyclists would participate. "When there is good weather they will come out in droves and when it's not, they hesitate. Those who came out had a really good time."
Of the amount raised at the tour, $5,000 will be paid to Cindy Yorgason, who organized the event, said John Patterson, the city's chief administrative officer.
The Tour de Drome wasn't expected to be a big money maker and was aimed at creating a buzz regarding the velodrome and field house project, said Patterson. "It's the number one high-adventure priority (in the city)," he said.
The event featured three routes that started at Ogden's Lorin Farr Park and covered 105 miles, 47 miles, and 28 miles.
Another larger bike tour to raise money for the field house and velodrome is scheduled for October, said Patterson.
The non-profit Ogden Community Foundation will retain funds raised for the facility.
The aim of the foundation, established in 2005, is to accept financial contributions to provide funding for education, health, safety, recreation and cultural enrichment programs to benefit Ogden residents.
The foundation isn't operated by the city, Patterson said.
The $15 million velodrome and fieldhouse is slated to be built on about 11 acres west of Wall Avenue between 20th and 21st streets owned by developer Gadi Leshem.
Patterson is confident funds will be obtained from donors enabling construction of the facility to start in the spring of 2011 and conclude in 2012.
The only financial commitment for the project so far is $2 million pledged by the Easton Sports Development Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting archery.
The city's application for $3 million over six years in RAMP funds for the velodrome and field house was rejected in March.
However, Patterson is optimistic the project will still receive some of the $400,000 set aside by the Weber County RAMP Committee for so called future legacy projects.
The enclosed velodrome and field house would encompass about 170,000 square feet. It will include an archery range, six championship tennis courts and a 250-meter velodrome. A velodrome is a bicycle racing track, tilted as much as 33 degrees, around which cyclists race at high speed on bicycles with no brakes or gears.
The oval within the center of the velodrome could be covered with turf, providing a practice area for Weber State University's football and lacrosse teams. The facility would seat for 3,000 spectators and space to house the Boy & Girls Clubs of Weber-Davis, Patterson said.
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