The Spafford Area Historical Society is hosting its annual bicycle race, “Giro of Otisco Lake,” at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 16, and racer registration and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
The event is a fundraiser to support both the living history program held in the Side Hill Schoolhouse, circa 1813, on the corner of Willowdale and Stanton Roads, and the maintenance of the Borodino Hall Community Center, circa 1833.
The “Giro” course length is approximately 31 miles around Otisco Lake, with multiple steep hills. It begins and ends at the Side Hill Schoolhouse, 3511 Stanton Road at Willowdale, Skaneateles.
The race is supported by a grant from the New York State Bicycle Racing Association and sanctioned by USA Cycling. Results count towards USA Cycling upgrades and National Rankings.
Online registration for the event is still available at BikeReg.com for $30. Day-of registration also available from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. on June 16 for $40.
The Spafford Area Historical Society hosts the annual race as a way to help maintain and preserve two icons of Spafford History.
The Side Hill Schoolhouse living history program offers area fourth graders a day of learning in an 1898 one-room schoolhouse. Students also dress in period clothing, with girls wearing long dresses and bonnets and boys wearing jeans, flannel shirts and neckerchiefs. The teachers also dress in period costumes.
Borodino Hall, the former Grange Hall, at the four corners in Borodino, has been under restoration for about 10 years. In December 2008, it was opened for use by groups and individuals for public and private functions. Recently, the hall has been used for concerts, community organization meetings and SAHS educational and social activities.
For more information on the “Giro of Otisco” bicycle race, visit otiscogiro.com or facebook.com/events/286301261426470.
Jason Emerson is editor of the Skaneateles Press. He can be reached at [email protected].
