Last week, Screens 'N' Spokes teammates Ian Harris and Barney Leonard rode one circuit (approx 15 miles) of the Philadelphia International Bike Race. The pros do this 10 times at much higher speeds!
"We set off at 7.15 am and had the opportunity to feel like a pro racer. There were barriers protecting all the intersections and some early spectators were ringing cow bells particularly at Manyunk Wall. The air was cool as we set out in the morning for what was going to be a steamy 90+ degree day.
The shotgun went off and all the amateur riders spurted forward. It was an easy flat ride along Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River into Manayunk. Then came the big challenge – the famous wall! We cycled with utmost focus for about 10 mins up the wall and into the narrowing ‘tower’, standing up and feeling our thighs burn to make it all the way up without stopping. Key was to avoid falling riders. Relieved at the top we then had a glorious ride on Ridge Ave downhill to the Schuylkill River. However, some more hills snuck up on us. Finally we reached the finish in a total time of 45 mins.
After resting up a little we made our way to the start of the pro race at 9 am. Seeing these cyclists is truly amazing - their lithe bodies all in unison and a huge peloton that whizzes by in a flash. They started with 2 mini circuits to Logan Circle and then headed out to Manayunk. They rode for the next 6 hours.
All in all a great morning!"
With less than 4 months remaining until the 2010 City to Shore Ride, Ian, Barney and the rest of our squad will be shifting into high gear on training and fundraising.
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