Summer Racing Part 1

Hopefully everybody is enjoying their summer and getting some riding in.  Here's part 1 of a list of races and rides in the Lehigh Valley/Philadelphia area for the next few months.  Feel free to contact Eric if you want something featured here. Don't forget about the Thursday night crits at the Lehigh Valley Velodrome.

June 18: The New Bethlehem Criterium
A 0.85 mile counterclockwise course around Liberty High School on Linden St, Fairview St., Grenadier Blvd. and Elizabeth Ave. Entry fee is $27.
Registration: http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=13534

July 9: Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, West Chester, PA
The Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, is a 0.8-mile course of tight turns and straight-aways on the streets of historic downtown West Chester, Pennsylvania. The Start/Finish Line is at the intersection of Gay and High Streets, the home of title sponsor Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant.  Race lineup includes Men's Amateur (Cat 3/4) at 5:45, Women's Elite (Cat 1/2/3) at 6:45), and Men's Pro (Pro/1/2) at 7:45.  This race is part of the USA Crits series.  Over 20,000 fans pack the streets of West Chester for the nighttime pro race. An awesome experience even if you aren't racing. Entry fee is $35 (Men's Amateur), $45 (Women's), $50 (Pro).
Site: http://www.ironhilltwilightcriterium.com/
Registration: http://events.sportsbaseonline.com/IRONHILL2011/

August 8: Gran Fondo Philadelphia
Sponsored by Colnago.  This Gran Fondo (Italian for "big ride") has 31, 62, and 102 mile options.  The ride begins at the Philadelphia Art Museum and continues down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, looping around Logan Square, and heads back up the Parkway.  The 102 mile ride continues through East Fairmount Park past Boathouse Row.  The course then crosses over the Schuylkill River before Manayunk.  The ride continues northwest through Valley Forge National Park, past numerous horse farms in beautiful Chester Springs, and turns around towards Philadelphia at French Creek State Park.  The return trip cuts below Phoenixville and through Valley Forge again.  The last 10 miles run through Philadelphia's suburbs along Main Line, passing Villanova University.  The course ends with the same roads used in the Philly Phlyer in West Fairmount Park.
7000 feet of climbing for the 102 mile course.
Over 1100 riders participated in the 102 mile ride alone last year.
Entry Fee is $109. Includes a Cuore Italiano jersey, mobile tech support, aid stations every 20 miles, KOM and QOM awards, and post-ride Italian lunch. Chip timing for 62 and 102 mile rides.
Site: http://granfondophiladelphia.com/
Registration: http://www.active.com/cycling/philadelphia-pa/gran-fondo-colnago-philadelphia-2010