Not much happens in Plain Grove, a township with 777 residents in the northeast corner of Lawrence County an hour from Pittsburgh.
But that is about to change, when it plays host to two cycling events as part of the 2023 National Senior Games held July 7-18 in Western Pennsylvania. About 500 cyclists are expected for the 20-kilometer road race on July 16 and the 40k race on July 17.
“I expect a lot of people to come out and watch them go by,” said Jeff Bishop, chairman of the township supervisors.
Held since 1987, the National Senior Games are a 20-sport, biennial competition for men and women 50 and older. Pittsburgh hosted them once before in 2005.
Nick Hubal, operations manager for local organizer P3R, sent an email to the township after Skip Rogers suggested it as a venue. A longtime games participant, Rogers, 68, of Harmony, Butler County, cycled in Plain Grove and said it was a great place to ride.
Hubal was given a tour of the proposed route, liked it and took the information back to national organizers, who gave it the OK.
Bishop said the township has been working with P3R on staffing for the race, parking and support services.
He said organizers have gone over the route, which starts and finishes at the township building, to make sure roads are in good shape, with no potholes or other problems for riders.
They also made sure there will be ample parking at the township building, the Pollock Ball Field and nearby Grove City Premium Outlets mall.
Rogers, 68, who likely will be among favorites in both races in the men’s 65-69 age group, said he was happy to “bring people to Plain Grove.” He expects riders to like the rural course because it is not very hilly.
“Seniors don't want hills,” he said.
Athletes are invited to preview the course on a day when there are no races taking place.
Working closely with Fred Baldassare, the 2023 games director of cycling, and P3R, Rogers also offered input on the design of the venues for the 5K time trial at North Park on July 13 and the 10K time trial in the HOV Lane near the North Shore’s Acrisure Stadium on July 14.
Rogers ranked third among top 10 performances in the 2011 games in the 5K time trial in the men's 55-59 age group with a time of 6 minutes 14.87 seconds.
Hubal said Rogers has a passion for the sport and genuinely wants to see Pittsburgh shine.
“We were happy to have him onboard,” he said. “He has a wealth of knowledge and experience.
“Skip gave us good insight into what would make a good time trial and road race. He collaborated with us on the courses and provided a lot of feedback from a participant standpoint on what would make a safe but fast course.”
First Published: July 6, 2023, 9:30 a.m.
Updated: July 7, 2023, 1:49 a.m.