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Weekend preview: Big bike race downtown
Two wheels will be highly fashionable downtown on Sunday for the second annual Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Grand Prix of Cycling.
Fans lined the race course last year.
The bike races will start with events for amateurs at 9 a.m. and culminate with pro races starting at 4 p.m.
The 0.9 mile race course starts and ends at Fountain Square. It runs south on Sherman Avenue from Clark Street to Grove Street, east on Grove to Chicago Avenue, north on Chicago to Davis Street, west on Davis to Orrington Avenue, north on Orrington to Clark and back to Sherman.
Most other downtown streets will be closed east of Benson Avenue and auto traffic will be rerouted onto Hinman Avenue and Elgin Road.
Downtown stores and restaurants will be open as usual -- providing over 30 places where spectators can enjoy outdoor dining along the race course.
The day will also feature a live dance concert and kids bike races at 3 p.m. before the pro series races begin.
Last year's race drew an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people downtown.
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I was curious about this event last year and decided to check it out. It was a ton of fun, and seeing these pro cyclists in action that close is an amazing thing. I am really looking forward to seeing some of the action this weekend too.
I would suggest to anyone interested in attending to seek out a spot at one of the corners of the route. These guys (and gals) barrel into the corners at full speed and it's quite exciting to watch. As an added bonus, there are a few great places to sit outside and have lunch and watch the cyclists ride by.
All in all, last years event was well organized and a great time. I'm glad that the race is back again this year and I hope it continues to be an annual summer tradition.
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