Smethport’s ‘Wheel Around the Hub Races’ Ready to Roll — Saturday, September 17
September 7, 2011
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
It’s almost ready to roll again! Smethport’s 2011, historic Wheel Around the Hub bicycle race is flying toward Saturday, September 17.
This year’s race features a unique but beautiful 52+ mile four-lap course that steers participants away from the replacement project of the Galico Bridge. The race will start at noon on Main Street in front of the McKean County Courthouse. Proceeds will benefit the Smethport Volunteer Fire Department. Read more
Smethport Bike Race Raises over $6000 for Smethport Volunteer Fire Department Fire Police
October 15, 2010
Smethport Web
The record shattering 2010 Wheel Around the Hub Cycling Race held in Smethport September 18th was a giant community effort involving dozens of volunteers and numerous local and regional businesses, industries and individuals.
The race was organized by the Wheel Race Committee, a special committee of the Smethport Fire Department as a special fund raiser for the Smethport Fire Police, a division of the fire department. Over $6000 was raised for the volunteer Fire Police to purchase new digital radios and equipment. Read more
Bike Race Featured Auction of 3-D Artwork by Julie Mader
September 19, 2010
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
Smethport’s juried PA Wilds Artist Julie Mader donated a framed and matted print (20″ x 9″) for public auction, which was held on Saturday, September 18, following the “Wheel Around the Hub Bicycle Race”.
At the conclusion of the race, just before the presentation of awards, bidders had the opportunity to add to their art collection Julie’s signed, 3-D, cycling themed “Full Spectrum Riders” print, numbered 3 of 25.
The auction occurred in front of the Court of Angels restaurant across from the McKean County Courthouse and was conducted by PA licensed auctioneer, Smethport Mayor Ross Porter.
Up-and-coming Mader, the celebrated artist for the Steep Canyon Rangers bluegrass band, has received extensive attention and rave reviews throughout the eastern United States. All proceeds of the framed and matted print were donated to the Smethport Fire Police by the artist.
Find out the result of the auction right here:
Smethport Gears Up for ‘Wheel Around the Hub’ Bicycle Race
July 31, 2010
Smethport Web
Cyclists far and wide will once again gather in Smethport for the historic Wheel Around the Hub bicycle race to be held on Saturday, September 18. The 53-mile, seven-lap race starts at noon on Main Street in front of the McKean County Courthouse. Proceeds will benefit the Smethport Volunteer Fire Department’s Fire Police.
The route takes cyclists through Smethport’s quaint business district, past the McKean County fairgrounds and scenic farmlands, over the Galico Bridge, through forests, past Hamlin Lake, and back onto Main Street past Victorian homes. Read more
How the “Fabulous Shirtheads” Saved the Wheel Around the Hub on Race Day
September 30, 2009
Smethport Web
On Friday, September 18th, the day prior to the 2009 Wheel Around the Hub Cycling Race in Smethport, Mayor Ross Porter, Co-Chair of the race, made a casual call to the tee-shirt supplier to confirm plans for the next day. This was a new company for the Lions race committee. The Smethport Lions Club, organizers of the big race, had always hired Studio 4 East in Allegany to create their race shirts.
This year the race committee had decided to use a new heat transfer system for the race shirts that would allow printing to take place the day of the race so only the right amount of shirts would be printed, thereby cutting expenses. Read more
Ideal Conditions Made for Speedy Cycling
September 22, 2009
During the final lap of this year’s Wheel Around the Hub race through Smethport, Ross Porter was interviewed by Jeff Andrulonis, whose radio station — The Mountain on WXMT (FM) 106.3 — provided periodic updates on the race to the listening audience.
Record Setting Performances Highlighted ‘Wheel Around the Hub’ Bicycle Race
September 20, 2009
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
A sunny day with 70-degree temperatures provided ideal conditions for Saturday’s annual Wheel Around the Hub Bicycle Race in Smethport, Pennsylvania.
For the second consecutive year, the 53-mile race ended with record-shattering performances in both the Men and Women divisions. The winners of the gleaming Gold Watches were Jay Joslyn and Janel Bedard. Both also received a 1st Place medallion and cash prize. Read more
“Wheel Around the Hub” bicycle race Saturday in Smethport
September 17, 2009
The Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey
Cyclists will “Go for the Gold” Saturday in Smethport in the historic “Wheel Around the Hub” bicycle race, which starts at noon on West Main Street in front of the McKean County Courthouse.
The 53-mile, seven-lap race, which has attracted world-class cyclists since being revived in 2005, follows a scenic route past Victorian homes in Smethport, along green forests, past productive farmland, and over the famous Galico Bridge that was on the race’s original course in the 1890s
“The race brings riders from all over the world,” said Smethport Mayor Ross Porter. “They have come from Europe and Asia and a significant number have been from Canada.” Read more »
Coming Soon — Smethport, PA’s Historic Wheel Around the Hub Gold Watch Cycling Races
September 2, 2009
It’s coming again! Smethport’s great 53 Mile 7 Circuit “Wheel Around the Hub Cycling Races” will be held Saturday, September 19, 2009 in the scenic McKean County Seat.
The historic races were first held during the 1890s but faded away following the advent of the automobile at the turn of the century. Commencing in front of the McKean County Courthouse on US Route 6, the cyclists today follow the same scenic route as the cyclists of the 1890s. Read more
New Records in Wheel Around the Hub Cycling Race
September 21, 2008
Only nine tenths of a second determined the winner of the men’s competition in Smethport’s annual Wheel Around the Hub cycling races. After careful study of all recording devices at the finish line, 19-year-old Cheyne Hoag of Dansville, New York, emerged as the winner of the 53-mile race, narrowly edging Jason Zimmerman of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Read more
HAMLIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Fly-Tying Class
Mondays: Jan. 23 to Feb 27 at 7 pm - 9:00 pm
Place: Library Meeting Room
Fee: $25 covers instruction and materials
The sessions are funded in part by a PPA grant from the PA Council on the Arts. Call the Hamlin Library 887-5326 or stop in to register.
Join the fun! Bring your friends!
SMETHPORT SENIOR CENTER
Amish Tour - Lancaster, PA - May 8th & 9th
Package: 2 Days - 1 Night, May 8 - May 9
Transportation: RT Motor Coach
Accommodations: Deluxe - Lancaster, PA area
Breakfast: Fantastic Full Amish style
Dinner: Family Style - Amish Restaurant
Theater: All new "JONAH" Show
Guided Tour: 3-Hour Amishland tour
Visit: Wilbur Chocolate Company & Museum
Shopping: Kitchen Kettle Village (optional)
Cost: $209.00 per person/double occupancy
For more information and reservations, contact Barbara Ness at 814-887-5630.
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Upcoming Events
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Smethport Weather
THE DAILY PLANET
Visit us every day on Facebook and see what’s happening in the exploration of Smethport, Pennsylvania’s rich history.
– Planet Smethport Team
Timeless Home - Buy it Online!
This book is an historical record of Smethport’s growth from its birth as a tiny hamlet to a modern borough.
Containing a wealth of historical photos, this is the most comprehensive record of Smethport ever published. It was funded by the Smethport Sesquicentennial Committee through the Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce.
Book size: 8-1/2” x 11”
Soft Cover $20.00
Shipping and Handling: $5.00 per order.
Spread the word !
Let your friends and family know about this website, so they can stay informed about news and events around the Borough.
Send an email now ...Christian J. Howard, OD
ALLEGHENY EYE CARE
- Thorough tests for Eye diseases and disorders - glaucoma/cataracts
- Lasik pre and post correction care
- Designer frame gallery including Calvin Klein and Nike
- Guaranteed contact lens success program
- Medicare and Insurances welcome
422 W. Main Street
Smethport, PA 16749
887-2920
FREE FITNESS EQUIPMENT
Costa's Ace Hardware Store
Two grants - Get Active and WalkWorks – support Smethport residents in their efforts to stay or get fit.
In this spirit, 2 bikes with helmets and 2 pairs of snow shoes with poles are available to be checked out FREE of CHARGE from Costa’s Ace Hardware Store on 323 East Water Street in Smethport (887-5542).
Some restrictions apply. For more information contact Claudia Caminite at 362-5066 or clc209@pitt.edu.
