Competitors in the Master's class line up on North Limestone Street for the start of the second running of the Friday Night Fights in downtown Gaffney, an ambitious attempt to bring high-level bicycle racing to Gaffney on a regular basis. More than 60 competitors competed in the three races held Friday night, double the number who competed during the first Friday Night Fights held in July. (Ledger photo / TIM GULLA) The praise was nearly unanimous Friday evening as bike racers cooled down in a Gaffney parking lot.

More than 60 bicycle racers from across the Carolinas made their way to downtown Gaffney on Friday for just the second running of the Friday Night Fights, an ambitious attempt by race promoter Two Up Sports and The City of Gaffney to bring high-level bicycle racing to the downtown area on a regular basis.

The number of competitors Friday doubled from the first Friday Night Fights held in July.

And every rider interviewed Friday night said they plan to spread the word to even more cyclists in the Carolinas that the Friday Night Fights is an event worth their attention.

“I loved it,” said Billy White, of Greenville. “It’s a nice course. It’s a great atmosphere. I think it will take off.”

Bruce Humphries, president and owner of Two Up Sports, was enthused not only with the increased turnout but also the reaction he has been getting. He believed from the start that Gaffney would be a fantastic location and the support and feedback he has received so far has proven him right.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better response from the city, from businesses, from everybody,” he said.

To hold the race, the city police department and Department of Public Works blocked off three city blocks to create a closed-course on which bicycle racers could go all-out without having to worry about traffic. Measuring six tenths of a mile and using Limestone and Petty streets as straightaways, the course lent itself to a fast pace and riders routinely exceeded 30 mph.

“I think it’s a terrific course,” said Robert Kendrick, a cyclist from Rock Hill. “It’s fast. It’s challenging. I hope that Two Up Sports is able to continue this event. It can become a really good part of the Southeast

racing) calendar.”

The entire event is completely free to watch and a small but enthusiastic crowd lined Limestone Street and the fourth turn of the course, near the old Capris Theatre, for the second running of the races.

Racers who enter pay a registration fee and compete for prizes throughout the night. Numerous area businesses donated prize money that race organizers used throughout the competition to entice the competitors with such things as individual lap prizes, called primes.

While the downtown bicycle races are viewed as a good clean night of free family entertainment for local residents, they’re also viewed as an economic development and tourism tool.

Racers in the event came from across the Carolinas to visit Gaffney, many bringing family members, wives, girlfriends, or children. Organizers and racers say they’ll no doubt stop at area restaurants or stores during their visit, creating ripple effects in the economy.

“It’s a great way to show off downtown Gaffney to people,” remarked Kendrick, one of the racers.

White, the racer from Greenville, added that the city really made the racers feel welcome with all the attention that was given to closing off the streets and making for a safe environment.

“The police officers have done a great job,” he said. “We can’t ask for a better reception.”

Only two Friday Night Fights were scheduled this year but Humphries said he’s already looking at the racing calendar for next year to schedule more races in Gaffney.

“I am very hopeful that all things fall into place and we get the support we need to continue this venture,” he said.

Though he did not yet have a chance to look at the city’s costs, Gaffney Mayor Henry Jolly said he was impressed by what he saw Friday night.

“I’m hoping we will continue it,” he said. “I think it’s a worthwhile project.”

Three separate races were held Friday night, including a race for beginners (Class 4/5), Masters (those over 35 years old) and professional (Pro 1/2/3). Results from the three races can be found online at: twoupsports.blogspot.com