During the 6th Annual Superior Ambulance Elmhurst Cycling Classic, professional and amateur cyclists from across the nation and around the world will test their speed and skills in a course that winds around the Elmhurst College campus.
The daylong racing event, which benefits local charities, will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday, July 27. Organized by the DuPage Cycling Foundation, the Elmhurst Cycling Classic is part of the Intelligentsia Cup, a multi-day series of races taking place throughout the Chicago area.
Highlights of the Elmhurst Cycling Classic include racing under the lights for the last two races, and the Family Fun Ride, which gives children and adults (as long as they’re wearing helmets) an opportunity to ride the course.
The event also will offer food and beverages for purchase, and a beer garden in front of Wilder Mansion. The beer garden, which opens at 4:00 p.m., is an ideal place to watch the Start/Finish of the races; a $20 donation covers beverage costs for adults.
Spectators are encouraged to bike, carpool or take the train to the event. A bike valet will be provided at the Wilder Park tennis courts.
The course for the Cycling Classic encircles the Elmhurst College campus, with the Start/Finish line located on Prospect Avenue, across from the Wilder Mansion. The course then runs south along Prospect to Elm Park Avenue, heads west on Elm Park to Grace Street, runs north on Grace to Alexander Boulevard and then returns to Prospect. The event is free and open to the public.
Because of the restricted access to campus that day, College employees are encouraged to walk, take public transportation, carpool or ride a bike to campus.
The Elmhurst Cycling Club is seeking volunteers for 2.5-hour shifts. Groups of 10 or more will receive $20 per person for their charity.
The race will benefit the DuPage Cycling Foundation, a nonprofit that raises funds for community organizations with missions that support the enrichment of community health and education. Previous beneficiaries have included United Community Concerns, Yorkfield Food Pantry, Elmhurst Children’s Assistance Foundation, District 205 Foundation, Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation, Kick Off For Kids, Elmhurst College student scholarships, Spirito! Singers, and People for Elmhurst Parks.
Admission to the Superior Ambulance Elmhurst Cycling Classic is free, and the event is open to the public. For more information, visit elmbike.com.