Air Force Cycling Classic in Clarendon this Saturday

Thousands of cyclists will ride through Clarendon this Saturday during the annual Air Force Cycling Classic. Many streets including Wilson Blvd and Washington Blvd will be closed for the race on June 9 from 8am until at least noon. On Sunday the event will move to Crystal City. The best brunch spots for viewing the race will probably be Liberty Tavern or Lyon Hall.

Air Force Cycling Classic this Saturday

This Saturday June 11 Clarendon will host the annual Air Force Cycling Classic event once again. Several bicyle races will be zipping around Wilson and Clarendon Blvds Saturday morning, following this schedule:

8:00am   Amateur Races for licensed racers (USA Cycling license required)
10:05am  Women's Pro/Am National Race Calendar (NRC) event
11:35am  Kids Race
12:00pm  Clarendon Cup Pro/Am Invitational NRC

Many streets around Clarendon will be closed, including these from 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:
• Wilson Blvd. from 10th St. to Barton St.
• Clarendon Blvd. from Washington Blvd. to Barton St. .
• Washington Blvd. from 13th St. to N. 10th  St.
• Highland St. from Wilson Blvd. to Washington Blvd.
• Garfield St. and Fillmore St. from Wilson Blvd. to Washington Blvd.

I recommend Liberty Tavern, Mexicali Blues or Whitlows as great spots to watch the races.

Phoenix Bike Show on Thurdsay

Phoenix Bikes, the non-profit bike shop here in Arlington, is having its third annual Bike Show Fundraiser this Thursday April 8th, 2010. The family friendly event is from 7-9pm at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association on 4301 Wilson Blvd. Activities include:

• Raffle for four new bikes
• Silent auctions for lots of bike gear
  
• Speakers Chris Eatough, Eric Gilliand, and Jay Fisette
• Local art inspired by extraordinary rides

Phoenix Bikes is a local non-profit bike shop dedicated to empowering young leaders through a program that teaches entrepreneurship, leadership and teamwork. Come out to support this great local store, which I can personally attest to the friendliness and helpfulness of its staff in purchasing a bike.

Air Force Cycling Classic @ Crystal City

This morning was the second part of the Air Force cycling race in Arlington. The 60 mile race around Crystal City occurred on an almost perfect day despite some early thunder showers, but should have been better organized.

Racers afterward complained of poor planning and that the organizers of the race were not clear about cut off times. The race was scheduled to start at 7:30, but bikers were not able to actually clear the start line until 7:46 due to the announcers talking on stage. And that 16 minute delay was not added on to the 10:30 cut off time, so many racers who were going to finish the race with a "gold medal" (which you get for completing all 8 laps on time) were stopped early. But the race it self was very rewarding for contestants of all ages and ability.

Air Force Cycling Classic Bicycle Race

The annual CSC Invitational Air Force Cycling Classic bicycle race is taking place this weekend in Clarendon. Wilson and Clarendon Blvds will be closed from 5am to 3pm both this Saturday to make way for all the cyclists.

Come out to cheer the race participants on these beautiful spring days!

Road Closure details:
• Wilson Blvd. from 10th St. to Edgewood St.
• Clarendon Blvd. from Washington Blvd. to Edgewood St.
• Washington Blvd. from 13th St. to Highland St.
• Highland St. from Wilson Blvd. to Washington Blvd.
• Garfield St. and Fillmore St. from Wilson Blvd. to Washington Blvd.