APRIL
04/09/11 is Indian Valley BikeWorks SPRING CARNIVAL in Harleysville, PA. From 10-2 there will be bike demos (Trek, Fuji, Colnago and a host of others), a kids bike rodeo, Rita's water ice and other family fun activities. So dust off the bikes and head on over. While you are there, spend some time getting your child's helmet fit properly. Their heads are still growing and will need proper adjustments regularly to ensure safety.Already in full swing is STURDY GIRLS Monday ride. They meet at 6pm at the fountain behind the Art Museum in Philly. It's an all girls ride and the average speed is 14 mph. No rider left behind. Check out their calendar for complete info and other ongoing rides.
Each month, there is a Ladies Bike Workshop which is hosted in Saverna Park, MD. The first one is 04/09/11. The workshop is conducted by a certified coach. You will learn to change tires, maintain your bike and other bike safety issues. The workshop is at 7:30am for you early risers and the ride is around 8:15 am. If you are in the MD area and new to cycling, check out the link for more info.
Rally in the Valley is making it's 5th annual appearance on 04/16/11 in Philly's Fairmount Park. This one day mountain bike festival runs from 8-2. There is something for everyone. Family rides, kids obstacles course, guided trail rides from beginner to expert and a super feast in the afternoon. Many vendors in the industry will be there too. Be sure to tell them you know Jay! This is a terrific event for the whole family to enjoy. Kids 7 and under are free! This is an event not to be missed.
MAY
Bike Flea Market is May 7th at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center from 8:30-2 rain or shine. Kids 12 under 12 are free. Come on out and buy, sell or trade your cycling gear. Say hi to friends. Breakaway Cafe open for grub. You will find everything from clothing, bikes and wheels, to random bike parts. There are some great deals to be had.
DIRTFEST 2011 is coming May 20-22 to Raystown Lake, PA. If you have never been, what are you waiting for? The peeps at Dirt Rag know how to throw down. Rides, demos, kids rides, chick rides, vendors, beer! Allegrippis trails are fast, furious and fun. Just don't leave any body parts behind. Seriously, a great time for the whole family. You can camp remotely at the festival or opt for more sophisticated camping just up the road if you prefer showers and flushing toilets. Cabins are also available. I can't wait for this one!
Kinetic Sculpture Derby is on 05/21/11 in the Kensington section of Philly. I am truly torn that it is the same weekend as Dirtfest. The artists and cyclists of Philly have brought this area back to its feet with their infiltration to the neighborhood. House fronts are being restored, as is the dignity of this once downtrodden area. The Derby is a spectacular parade of Kinetic sculptures designed and realized by the participants. Anyone can be a part of this event either as voyeur or Derby rider. So decorate that bike, design a human powered machine and be prepared to take on the mud pit. This ride is police escorted through the streets of Kensington and is about 4 miles in length. I did this with my son on tandem and he LOVED being part of the shenanigans! There is an arts festival and lots of great food that coincide with the Derby. Bring the family and your camera!
Virginia Mountain Bike Festival is May 27-30 in Stokesville, VA. Can't get enough of the festival atmosphere? Head on down to the VMBF. The folks at Shenandoah Touring Company do it VA style. This weekend is packed full of riding for everyone. Kids, women, co-ed, it's all there. Pot luck dinners, bonfires, and other activities abound. This is where friends are made for life. Bring the family. Kids under 10 are free!
JUNE and Beyond
What would summer be without the Philly Race? No silly, we're not doing the race. We're heading down to Philly on June 5th to see the 27th running of the bulls. No wait, I mean THE bike race. It's the Pro Cycling Tour and Liberty Classic. Pack a picnic, the kids and bikes and head on over to Lemon Hill to catch some of the hottest, fastest pro riders in the sport. I don't think I have missed one race in 20 years. Having competed in this race twice, I know first hand the suffering, sweat and strength required to hang with the likes of Tuetenberg. And Tuetenberg I ain't. You can even pre-ride the course prior to the start of the race. See what it feels like to climb "the wall". Riding around the race and watching from multiple vantage points is my recommendation, culminating on Lemon Hill. It's truly not an adventure unless you get out to the wall for a few laps.
And don't forget, there are multiple Grand Fondo's, fun rides and charity events happening now and throughout summer, so check out the calendar of events! Don't get left behind. Get moving and have some fun with the fam.
