Tour de Wayne Century

Yesterday, I had the near pleasure of riding in a century that started from the Wayne County High School in Waynesboro, TN. Actually; it was a nice century considering that it rained for about 2 hours. A 6-mile section had me wondering if I should have swapped my road bike for a mountain bike. It was the Roubaix section.

The good people of Wayne County, TN have put on this century for 5 years, so overall they do a good job. In addition, they asked every participant to fill out a critique, so they seem very interested in making the ride better. The century route took in part of the Natchez Trace, and the rest stops had LOTS of goodies. There is no doubt that a person could gain 10lbs. on this ride.

Although this century is not the best that I have ridden in, it definitely is not the worst. Moreover, the folks that put it on were very friendly and are devoted to making it even better. Therefore, for that reason, if my schedule permits, I will probably go back in 2009.

Overall, I was not impressed with the city of Waynesboro, TN. The first thing I noticed was the lack of a Wal-Mart store. When I went into a convenient store to find out where the Wal-Mart was located, I was quickly told that about five people own most of the businesses, so Wal-Mart has been prevented from building there. I was told that Waynesboro is not very big on change or progress. It is obvious that they are way behind other cities nearby that are similar in size.

Do not get me wrong, I am not a fan of the manner in which Wal-Mart has hurt downtown areas across this country. However, when a city decides to deprive its citizens of the benefits of progress, that is shortsighted and selfish. It was obvious to me that Waynesboro, TN is in need of the tax revenue that would be generated if national business were allowed to build there.

Please know that this is not a slam on the fine people that live there. I am quite sure that many of them feel as I do. I hope that someday they will have the nerve to speak up against the city council and demand change. They need to do something fast before it is too late. Absent a century bike ride, I will probably never have a reason to visit that city again.