The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is back after a 10-year absence, and while Sunday’s 14.4-mile professional race through Logan Square, Kelly Drive, Lemon Hill and the Manayunk Wall is reserved for the pros, the weekend offers several ways for everyday Philadelphians to join in.
Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to line the course Sunday. But the surrounding events, running Saturday and Sunday near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, give cyclists and non-cyclists alike a reason to show up.
An eight-mile amateur time trial on Saturday
Saturday’s Amateur Time Trial sends riders on an eight-mile course along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive with a turnaround at Falls Bridge. Unlike Sunday’s mass-start professional race, the time trial pits each cyclist against the clock. The first rider leaves at 9 a.m., with others following at timed intervals.
The race is sanctioned by USA Cycling as part of the New Jersey Time Trial Cup Series. There is a category for specialist time-trial bikes and equipment, but other categories are far more open.
“It doesn’t have to be a road bike. Just a working bike with brakes and you wear a helmet.”
That’s Dave Berson with Guy’s Racing Club, which is organizing the time trial alongside Independence Youth Cycling. Berson said the event was so popular that the initial 200 spots sold out quickly, prompting organizers to add 25 more. He expects several youth riders from the National Interscholastic Cycling Association to show up with their mountain bikes.
Berson cautioned that even on a sprint course, riders need to pace themselves. The turnaround can be treacherous at high speed, something he learned firsthand on an unofficial run.
Charity ride loops the pro course before the race
Sunday’s Charity Ride for the American Association for Cancer Research begins at 6:30 a.m. at Lemon Hill and takes participants on a lap of the professional course before the pros compete on it. Funds raised go toward cancer research.
Free fan fest with 200 vendors at the Art Museum
For those who would rather watch than ride, a free Fan Fest will run at the Iroquois Sculpture in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art both days. The festival features food, drinks, a beer garden, 200 vendors, live entertainment and activities. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Berson said he hopes the Classic inspires Philadelphians to push their own limits.
“I just hope it motivates people to just want to be healthy and to keep moving. That’s really the name of the game.”
Registration for the remaining amateur time trial spots closes Thursday.