April showers started off the month along with the 30th annual Redlands Bicycle Classic. Men’s and women’s professional cycling teams rolled into Redlands and showcased their awesome bike racing talents.
As a former cyclist with the United States National Women’s Cycling Team and having raced many races throughout the United States and in several other countries, I can assure you that the Redlands Bicycle Classic is one of the best stage races in the United States today.
Not only the varied courses that test each rider’s cycling skills, but also the professionalism of the all-volunteer Race Committee, the support by the city’s officials and offices and the thousands of volunteers and numerous host families who open their homes to cyclists year after year are what truly make this bike race a classic event. Happy 30th year!
If you haven’t witnessed any of the races thus far, be sure to check out the final day of racing today. Better yet, get out your own bike and ride to the races. Don’t forget to wear your helmet, though, and bring a lock for your bike.
Once the race banners are down and the fencing put away, our city will be preparing for the Redlands Kiwanis 31st annual Run Through Redlands, presented by Redlands Community Hospital, scheduled for April 27. There’s still plenty of time to sign up for the 5k, 10k or half marathon. It’s been five years since I’ve done the 10k, so I think it’s about time I enter again.
If you have children 3 to 6 years old, you can sign them up for the Kinder Dash or if you just want to have fun without the pressure of being timed, maybe the 2k Color Splash is for you.
Proceeds from the event will be distributed to local charities and provide scholarships for several local youth as administered by the Kiwanis Club of Redlands, the event’s longtime supporter.
For details and to register online or print out a mail in registration form, visit redlands-events.com.
If you are in the mood for a triathlon, you may want to consider entering the 12th annual PossAbilities Triathlon. The event is staged at the Drayson Center in Loma Linda on April 27. The event’s host is the PossAbilites organization, a free community outreach program tailored to people with physical disabilities, based in Loma Linda University Medical Center’s East Campus facility.
You can enter the reverse sprint triathlon, consisting of a 5k run, 11-mile bike and 150-yard swim or you can just enter the 5k run. I have competed in this event many times over the years and I am always inspired by the challenged athletes. They are proof that a physical limitation doesn’t have to limit one’s desire to compete in multisports or any event, for that matter.
A unique twist to the PossAbilities event is the children’ triathlon, consisting of a quarter-mile run, quarter-mile bike ride and a well-supervised 25-yard swim. It’s a great way to introduce the youngsters to the amazing world of multisport.
For information or to register, visit website
I hope to see you at the races!
Patty Peoples of Redlands is a USA Triathlon Level 1 coach, college fitness professor, fitness nutrition specialist, two-time USAT Athlete of the Year and motivational speaker. She can be reached at p2peakperformance@hotmail.com.