30th Redlands Bicycle Classic kicks off next Wednesday By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts POSTED: 03/26/14 REDLANDS >> This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Redlands Bicycle Classic and organizers intend to offer the community a milestone event while preserving its history. The Classic has been expanded to five days in honor of its anniversary and will run from Wednesday through April 6 in Redlands and surrounding communities. The Redlands Bicycle Classic Committee and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians have teamed up for the second year to host the event, which is an all-volunteer effort. The committee has strived to make the Classic a big community event, with racing and entertainment, said Scott Welsh, marketing director for the Classic. “We want people to know how special it is to live in Redlands, to visit Redlands and take in all of the beautiful downtown and surrounding areas and we want it to be a real family community event,” he said. The Classic is the first race of USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. There will be 26 teams participating in the men’s competition and 15 teams participating in the women’s race. This year, the city of Highland will return to the festivities after a 10-year hiatus. Highland will host the first stage on Wednesday, featuring a Circuit Race in which competitors will continuously race on a 2.8-mile loop throughout the community. The stage will lead to the second-day Time Trial in Big Bear and the Road Race in Beaumont on the third day. The event will conclude in Redlands with Saturday’s Criterium and Sunday’s Sunset Road Race. For the Classic’s 30 year anniversary, Michael Austin and his band, Austin Law and Midas Whale will perform a free family concert on April 5 following the conclusion of the Pro Men’s Criterium race at Sixth Street and Citrus Avenue in downtown Redlands. Austin, a country musician, competed on the singing competition television show, “The Voice.” Midas Whale also competed on “The Voice.” Tracy Bailey-Holmes, the official artist for the Classic, will have a booth set up during the event. Bailey-Holmes has created a special poster celebrating the 30th anniversary depicting past winners and volunteers. Cyclist Peter Brandt has seen the Classic grow from a handful of cyclists to hundreds since he and Carole Beswick founded the event in 1985. “Really I’m just looking forward to soaking it all up,” said Brandt. “I love the competition. That’s one thing I look forward to. I take a few days off work and watch the competition. I like to go downtown during the big events and just reminisce.” Bicyclist Gord Fraser will receive this year’s “Legends” award. The community can enjoy other events, including a Healhty Lifestyle Festival Saturday and Sunday in downtown. Students in kindergarten through high school in Redlands and Highland, public and private, may show off their school spirit by participating in the School Duel on April 5 using the same course taken by the professional riders later in the day. The duel will be featured as part of the Redlands Bicycle Classic Public Races. The winning school is awarded based on the highest level of participation. Students may register online by 11:59 p.m. April 1. Students can win free registration by taking an online Fit Lifestyle Quiz after reading about the healthy lifestyles cyclists lead on the School Duel and Public Races brochure. The Redlands Unleashed Fidos and Friends, R.U.F.F. Ride, will be held on April 5 for the 5th year to raise funds to maintain and improve the Redlands Dog Park and help animals. The fundraiser offers four routes for people of all ability levels and an expo area at the finish line featuring pet rescues, a Disc Jockey and Eat ‘Em Up food truck. A unique facet of the Classic is the use of host families to take in hundreds of visiting riders during the duration of the event. Event organizers are still seeking host families. Those interested in hosting riders, registration or for more information on the event can visit website at redlandsclassic. redlandsdailyfacts/sports/20140326/30th-redlands-bicycle-classic-kicks-off-next-wednesday
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 22:33:10 +0000
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