The area’s first pedals will be turned in anger this weekend among area bicycle racers.

In its first year of varsity competition, the Lindenwood University Cycling Team will travel to Columbus, Ohio, for two days of racing at The Ohio State University. On Saturday, Lindenwood’s riders will compete in The Ohio State road race. On Sunday, they’ll be in The Ohio State criterium.

Lindenwood, which is in the Midwest Collegiate Cycling Conference, has seven members in its first season, five men and two women. One of the women is 42-year-old Tammy Pastor of St. Louis. You go, girl!

Meanwhile, in Columbia, Mo., area hammerheads will take part in the Columbia Bicycle Club’s 19th annual Froze Toes on Sunday. Froze Toes is advertised as a “training road race,” but history tells us it’s more race than training.

The racing starts at noon with the 61-mile Pros 1 through 3 taking off for a 61-mile trek and Masters 40+ going off for a 31-miler, followed 10 minutes later by Cat III-IV for 31 miles. At 12:30 p.m., the Cat V 19+ and 40+ start, followed at 12:40 p.m., by the Cat V juniors 18-under and the Women Cat IV and open divisions — all will be 31 miles.

Registration is $25 for all categories except juniors, who are free, and will be open from 9 a.m. until 30 minutes before each race begins.

All racers must have a USCF license, which can be obtained on-site. Also what’s a Froze Toes race without hot chili?

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