REDLANDS, Calif. — The 38th Redlands Bicycle Classic is gearing up for an exciting display of competitive bike racing starting April 10 and running through April 14.
Why it's important: The Redlands Bicycle Classic began in 1985 and has since become the longest-running continuous invitational professional stage race in American bike racing. The event will feature a wide variety of events for both children and adults. Whether you are a racer looking for the heat of competition, a cyclist seeking a laid-back long distance ride or a member of the community looking for a fun-filled day, the Bicycle Classic will have it all.
Details: Races range from competitive long-distance events for adults to short races for youths with many more events and circuits in between.
In addition to cycling, road runners will also have a chance to shine at the mile run, 5K run or Family Fun Walk. These events will kick off the final day of the Classic with the Redlands Mile beginning at 6:30 a.m. followed by the 5K at 7 a.m.
A highlight of the Classic will be the Plain Wrap Ride for recreational cyclists of all ages and the many youth racing opportunities that will be held on Saturday. Keep reading for more details about each of these events.
Plain Wrap Ride: This ride is perfect for avid cyclists looking for a calmer alternative to the rush of the races. All the essentials will be provided, including route sheets, turn arrows, rest stops and support vehicles.
Three route options are available for this recreational event for both solo or tandem riders of all ages ranging from 23 to 40 to 62 miles. All races start at 8 a.m. at the start-finish line on Citrus Avenue in downtown Redlands on Saturday, April 13. All three routes will have a rest stop at Crafton Park.
This event has been categorized as a “charity fun ride” for RideYourselfFit.org, a partner of the Classic. Solo riders pay a fee of $40 online to pre-register or $50 on ride day while tandem riders pay $50 to pre-register or $65 on the day of the race. For qualifying clubs with 20 or more riders, $10 from each rider’s fee will be donated to a non-profit organization of their choice.
Participants will receive vouchers for use at the nearby Vendor Expo where they can enjoy activities, purchase food, craft beer or other beverages and watch other ongoing events.
To register for the Plain Wrap Ride, visit this link.
Youth Races: Youngsters will take center stage the morning of April 13 for tricycle and bicycle sprints followed by nearly 20 heats of youth races. More than 500 riders ranging from six to seventeen are expected to compete on a .65-mile course.
The annual Stater Bros. Charities School Duel, featuring riders from across Redlands schools, will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue until noon.
In the days leading up to the event, pro racers will visit schools and speak with students said Brian Zander in a press release by the Redlands Bicycle Classic. Zander is a fifth-grade teacher at Judson & Brown Elementary School and a member of the Bicycle Classic organizing committee.
Children attending the Classic can also enjoy the Kids’ Corner located in the Wells Fargo parking lot. The BMX Pros Trick Team will perform two BMX bicycle stunt shows at 10 a.m. and noon.
Children participate in the Stater Bros. Charities School Duel. (Photos courtesy of Redlands Bicycle Classic.)
How to register: Students ages 3 to 17 can take an online safety quiz by clicking this link to earn a free entry code to register online by April 9. Pre-registered participants will receive a T-shirt and medal. Day-of registration will also be available to students for a small fee.
The registration for public races is available by clicking here.
For runners, the registration can be found here.
For a complete schedule of events, click here.
Adapted from press releases by Redlands Bicycle Classic.
