Red Rose Races goes Belly Up

Red Rose Races, promoters of most of the Lancaster County races you've attended or at least considered (Mount Joy, Tour de Ephrata, Tour of Christiana, Millport Road Race, Strasburg, etc.) is no more. So says the press release:

Effective June 1, 2008 the business of Red Rose Races.com, Inc. has been suspended indefinitely and Rich Ruoff has resigned. As a behind-the-scenes investor in this enterprise I will attempt to liquidate whatever assets Rich turns over (trailer, equipment, etc.) and make restitution to everyone owed money in some proportionate and fair way, but this will take time and Rich’s cooperation. Rich has been a friend and great cycling enthusiast and it’s terribly unfortunate that things snowballed out of control to the point that past debts and current spending overwhelmed the business operations and things simply could not continue. Beginning with the Rapho Road Race™ on Saturday, June 7 all of the 2008 events have been canceled. I am in discussion with Pennsylvania Cycling Association and USA Cycling representatives to find potential answers to the crisis this situation represents for bicycle racing in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Sincerely,

David S. Butterworth
CEO
Red Rose Races.com, Inc.

Ever-vigilant, GamJams dug deep into this breaking crisis to unearth the little-known facts that reveal the complete story. I did this principally by going to Burt Friggin Hoovis' blog and looking at what he has posted here, here, and here, along with the comments on each. Following the same path, you might conclude:

- Racers not from PA are the only ones who really looked forward to Red Rose Races
- Said race promoters were not particularly revered to begin with
- MABRA and NJ fields are about to get more full of unfamiliar jerseys

RedRoseRaces.com promises more news shortly. However, the administrative contact for the domain name is listed as Richard Ruoff, outgoing CEO of RedRoseRaces. It's possible that the story from that perspective may not match Mr. Butterworth's recount of the situation.

In answer to your next question, which very likely is "what does it mean to me and my 2008 season?", you may take heart to learn that in a letter to the PA-Cycling ListServ, PA-Cycling president David Mitchell declared that the "Pennsylvania Cycle Association board and the United States Cycling Association are working together with the promoters to hold as many scheduled events as possible."

More news here as it unfolds.

Comments

[Greg]

Wow, those PA guys have dirty mouths! I don't think even I think of Dildos as much as they do.

[John P.]

The whole thing really bummed me out the last couple days. I looked forward to the good racing they had up there. Sounds like this Butterworth guy isn't getting much love. LOL

[Burt Hoovis]

Greg,

Don't sell yourself short. I bet you think about dildos all the time.

Thanks,
Burt

[Ridin at 4:20]

I am a PA guy and I prefer butt plugs.

[burt hoovis]

Yeah, but you're from the Philly area.

The rest of PA correctly wishes that Philly would just be annexed by New Jersey...then it would be butt plugs and hair spray 24/7.

Thanks,
Burt