The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is back after a 10-year absence, and while Sunday\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
An eight-mile amateur time trial on Saturday<\/p>\n
Saturday\u2019s Amateur Time Trial sends riders on an eight-mile course along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive with a turnaround at Falls Bridge. Unlike Sunday\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to be a road bike. Just a working bike with brakes and you wear a helmet.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s Dave Berson with Guy\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Charity ride loops the pro course before the race<\/p>\n