Professional racecourse coming to Collegeview neighborhood
By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
It’s time! Time for the much-anticipated 5th Annual Superior Ambulance Elmhurst Cycling Classic, which takes place Friday, July 21. The neighborhood surrounding Elmhurst College will be transformed into a professional racecourse. Later in the evening, there will be Pro-Am Racing Under The Stars.
Volunteers still needed
The race needs many volunteers and offers a short training session to get you started. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age as of the day of the race and must fill out a USAC Race Volunteer Liability waiver, available at elmhurstcyclingclassic.com..
The Olympia Chiropractic Family Fun Ride
On Friday, July 21, families with kids are invited to ride bicycles around the professional course of the Elmhurst Cycling Classic bike race. Decorate your bike or yourself to win on-the-spot prizes; groups could win for best theme. There will be on-the-spot prizes for best-themed riders at the finish line. All riders will be cheered on by the crowds as they ride the 1.2 mile course around Elmhurst College.
The ride begins at 6:20 p.m., right before the professional women’s and men’s races.
It is held on the same course used by the pros around Elmhurst College, Registration on race day is $5 per rider.
Check-in and registration will take place at the Wilder Mansion north parking lot from 3 – 6 p.m.
Staging for the family fun ride is in the cul-de-sac in front of the Elmhurst Park District Rec Building. Be ready to roll at 6:10!
For more information about the race, visit elmhurstcyclingclassic.com.
Get the block party started
The race organizers, most of all, thank the residents who live along the race route for their cooperation and support of this event.
Portions of Prospect, Alexander, Grace and Elm Park Avenues will be closed for the race course all day on Friday, July 21. Street parking and driveway access will be limited on that day. Accordingly, a parking plan for residents has been created which directs residents to alternative parking areas. Volunteers will be located around the course and in Wilder Park to assist you all day. Also, a cart will be available for residents needing special assistance. The Parking Plan will be delivered to your home prior to the race.
If you will need your car on July 21, please move it outside the race loop prior to 10:30 a.m. (see map at web site). The course will re-open shortly after the Pro Men’s Race finishes at 10 p.m. We will provide an overnight parking permit should you choose to move your car outside the race course the night before (Thursday, July 20). You may also leave your car outside of the course overnight on Friday, July 21. Place the permit on your dashboard.
You cannot drive on the course during the race. It is simply too dangerous.
Prizes for block parties Friday evening
Join your neighbors for cook-outs and parties to watch the racers go by your house. Many residents use this day as an opportunity to have friends over or host parties. Members of the Elmhurst Cycling Classic Committee will be visiting residents who have block parties underway to supply race goodies. Be sure to walk to Wilder Mansion for the finish of the race.
Join in “Light Up The Block,” a pre-race neighborhood competition. In addition to bringing world class bicycle racing to town, the Elmhurst Cycling Classic is offering a chance to show off your chops by decorating your house, yard, trees, even your dog! It’s all designed to make the racecourse the coolest nighttime course ever, organizers said.
The Prize Patrol will be pulling the prize wagon along the course the night before the race on Thursday, July 20 so be ready! It will be loaded with prizes and what will surely be the gaudiest and most coveted trophy in town. Prizes include City Centre gift cards, a yard sign for the winning location and a gaudy trophy delivered with pomp and circumstance.
Bike to the race
To avoid parking challenges, visitors are urged to bicycle to the race. The Elmhurst Bicycle Club will be hosting a free Bike Valet inside the fenced tennis course in Wilder Park. Leave your car at home and ride your bike to the race, knowing you’ll have a secure place to leave it.
