OXFORD, Ohio — Cyclists spent the last nine days on one of the most difficult bike races, the Race Across America, and one man in Oxford is putting up signs in and around Oxford to make sure that those riders are staying safe.
What You Need To Know
- Race Across America (RAAM) riders come through several Ohio towns
- Mike Minium is one of the volunteers at the Oxford time station
- Minium puts up signs warning drivers that they are on the RAAM route within about 200 miles of Oxford
- Minium's efforts are appreciated by the riders and he's known as the "Sign Guy"
Mike Minium and other volunteers were ready to cheer on cyclists as they approach Oxford.
While it’s fun to see each rider pass through, for Minium, it’s actually about keeping these riders safe. Which is why he installs signs on the route within 200 miles of Oxford.
“There have been a number of riders over the years that have been hit by vehicles," Minium said. "There have been injuries, there have been a couple of fatalities. So, safety is a definite concern.”
Putting up the signs took 14 hours, and once the race is over, he’ll have to collect them again. But all the time and money are worth it to do a little something extra to ensure their safety. And for that reason, Minium is known in the community.
“It does make me feel good," he said. "Somebody gave me the nickname "Sign Man" and it’s kind of stuck.”
Philip Fox, a rider in the race, noticed the signs as he made his way into Ohio and appreciated the extra mile Minium goes.
“The concept of Race Across America is something that they can grasp but not many people have the awareness of it," Fox said. "So I think the signs are especially helpful on the race route.”
While Minium waits for the next rider to pass through, he’s hopes they’ll all get there safely
The riders will pass through Oxford, Blanchester, Chillicothe and Athens. Teams and individuals are expected to finish starting on Friday and must finish by Sunday.
To keep track of where each rider and team is in real time, click here.