A Little Roadie Diversion

On June 7th I had the pleasure of once again attending what I simply call the Philly Bike Race. Philadelphia has held this annual road race for the last 25 years under various names. It is known as one of the best single day races in the US and draws an A list of road riders every year. The race is best know for it's climb up the Manayunk Wall, a half mile climb at 17 percent max gradient that is traversed 10 times.

In years past I have watched the race from this location, and highly, highly recommend it for first time visitors. To picture the scene all one has to do is watch some of the climbs from major European road races. The crowd is that intense. This year we watched the race from the lower reaches of Ridge Ave at the end of the pelotons decent of the climb. A totally different experience, yet just as good.

How often do you get to watch a former world champ race? Judith Arndt


Or possibly the best female road racer of the time? Ina Tuetenberg Winner of the womens race.


I got to see some of the best mens talent in Andre Greipel (winner of the mens race), Mark Henderson, Bernhard Eisel, and Edvald Boasson Hagen (2009 Giro stage winner) all of Columbia/High Road. Here the mens peleton stretches out.


This is how close you can get to the peleton


Lastly a sample of what that descending peleton feels like (edited for language)