The Superior Ambulance Service Elmhurst Cycling Classic and the Elmhurst Twilight Mile return to the streets around Elmhurst University and Wilder Park on June 7. Organizers hope to build on the success of last year’s event and attract even more competitors and even more spectators to watch the high speed action.
Last year, bike racers from the Midwest made the trip to Elmhurst to compete on a fast, technical course around Elmhurst University. Many elite racers chased significant prize money while Illinois racers also battled for the State Championship title in their categories. This year will be no different because Elmhurst was selected as the State Championship venue again.
DuPage Cycling Foundation, the race organizer, introduced the Elmhurst Twilight Mile last year. On June 7th, this race returns and will feature three distinct heats of the mile: Open (5 – 13 minutes), Elite Women (under 6 minutes) and Elite Men (under 5 minutes). Top runners for the region will be chasing prize money while some will run for fun and to support charity.
People all around the course will enjoy the FREE high-speed action. Many residents host “watch parties” with food and music, and some even hire bands for the afternoon. The epicenter of the day is at the Wilder Mansion and the start/finish line. Elite bike racers will be zooming by approximately every 2 minutes. This year, a local band – Washington Street Five – will be playing rock’n’roll favorites during the Family Fun Ride. The Family Fun Ride is also free, and pre-registration will be at Courts Plus. See the website for details.
Spectators can catch the action all day long, but the fastest racing starts around 2 pm. The Pro Elite Women race at 3:20 and the Pro Elite Men race at 4:30 pm. Cyclists will sprint for the win, but they also will put on a show of speed as they go for prizes donated for mid-race sprint laps called “primes.” For example, NASCAR Chicago Street Race donated 4 weekend pass tickets! And there is a crowd-funded “Split-the-Pot” prize currently valued at close to $500. Racers will exceed 35 mph as they dash for those prizes, putting on an incredible show for the fans.
The Twilight Mile starts at 6 pm and the Elmhurst Park District Family Fun Ride starts at 7 pm. This year the Twilight Mile is supported by the Elmhurst Running Club, and York coach Charlie Kern will be calling the action as racers dash for course records. The fastest time last year was 4 minutes 18 seconds – in the rain!
Food and drinks are available from vendors in the Expo area, and the Phase Three Beer Garden at Wilder Mansion will have a selection of beer, wine, and soft drinks. Local charities will be present as volunteers at this community event. United Community Concerns, Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network and Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans will be on site to raise awareness of need in our community. UCCA President Shari Haug says, “UCCA is thrilled to be part of the Elmhurst Cycling Classic this summer! This incredible community event brings people together, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness about food insecurity right here in our own town while celebrating the spirit of Elmhurst. Together, we can make a difference!”
The event is presented by the DuPage Cycling Foundation. They are an all-volunteer foundation that uses cycling related events to raise money for people in need and the charities that serve them. The Elmhurst Cycling Classic is one of three fundraising events hosted by the group, and is one of the best summer kick-off parties going!
More information about the day can be found at www.elmbike.com. Runners can get information and register at www.elmmile.com.