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Attention all bicycle racers and fans: The Grandview Grand Prix is headed your way.
Three Manheim Township cycling enthusiasts have banded together to bring back a local favorite.
Many of this year's local bicycle races fizzled when race promoter Red Rose Races canceled its contests. Red Rose sponsored most of the local races.
But that won't stop the Grandview race.
"It's just a great community event," race director Michael Doupe said. "The cycling community comes together and has a big party on the course."
Formerly called Tour de Grandview, the Rivera Physical Therapy Grandview Grand Prix will take place July 26.
Races will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. with a 35-mile pro and top amateur race.
While Spinners Cycling team, from the Leola-based Spinners Cycling bike shop, is hosting the race, Doupe and two of his neighbors, Jack Poplar and Michele Bote, have revived the criterium.
All three live in Grandview Heights, and all are members of the cycling community."We just love the neighborhood feel of the bike race and bringing out the community to watch the racers," Bote, a national-level racer, said.
The race will be based on the course used in the Red Rose Races circuit. The majority of the one-mile loop is spent on Grandview Boulevard and Janet Avenue. Vehicle traffic will be rerouted during the race.
"This is called a criterium race," Poplar, a cycling official, said. "It's typically a circuit race that's three kilometers or less. (It's) very spectator-friendly — every three minutes, you see the riders go by.
"It's a little more technical," he said. "(Racers) need to be comfortable riding in groups."
The combination of the challenging course and the beautiful setting, with fans scattered throughout, is what helps bring out some of the sport's top riders.
Doupe, who also serves as the manager of the PA Lightening under-25 cycling team, said many of his riders were excited to hear the race was back.
"They love that it's in a shaded residential neighborhood with a lot of people having parties on their front lawns," Doupe said.
Bote, who has a large cookout at her house during the event, agreed.
(160) (72) (32) (7) (5) (4) (2)"It's fun because it's our neighborhood," Bote said. "When I'm coming through on my own block (during the race), I want to look good for the neighbors.
"I think this is the best place to live and ride. I love Lancaster County."
Grandview Grand Prix is just one of the county's many races. According to Poplar, Lancaster has more road races than any other county on the East Coast.
"This is the hub for racing," Poplar said. "A beautiful county, with races in beautiful settings. Every race so far this year has brought out record-breaking numbers" of participants.
Races range from beginner to the professional level, with varying lengths and prize amounts.
Bike-racing licenses are required to register for most races, but first-timers can compete in beginner races by buying a $5, one-day license the day of the race.
In the day's last race, spectators will see some of the country's best pro racers, which may include Bobby Lea, a Beijing-bound Olympian from Mertztown.
The race is geared for families and will feature a kids' bike parade and kids' races at 3:30 p.m.
Participants in the bike parade are encouraged to decorate their bikes with signs and streamers. The "wacky and craziest top three" will receive prizes of ice cream.
Kids' races are broken into three age groups, 5-7, 8-11 and 12-14, with no entry fee.
Race promoters expect a great turnout, with more than 300 racers and many spectators.
"It takes a lot of coordination," Doupe said. "Fortunately, Jack (Poplar) and Michele (Bote) have the same enthusiasm and energy for it. They're right alongside me."
To view a race flier or register, riders should visit www.bikereg.com and enter Grandview Grand Prix in the search bar. Online registration ends at 7 p.m. July 24.
To help sponsor one of the races, please contact Mike Doupe at GrandviewGP@yahoo.com.
E-mail: stephweaver@lnpnews.com
