Viewer’s Guide to This Weekend’s Parx Casino Philly Cycling Classic 2014

Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Planning to watch the big bike race hitting town this weekend? Here’s what you need to know about the Parx Casino Philly Cycling Classic this Sunday.

The Basics
Formerly known as the Manayunk Bike Race, the Parx Casino Philly Cycling Classic is a professional cycling race that winds through Manayunk, East Falls, and Fairmount Park this Sunday, June 1st.

The day starts at 6:45 a.m. with the Velothon, a 30-mile amateur race that follows the same course as the real deal. Then it’s the Women’s Race at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Men’s Race at noon. It starts and ends at The Wall on Lyceum Avenue in Manayunk.

The course is a 12-mile loop. The men will complete 10 laps, for a total of 120 miles, and the women will complete five laps, for a total of 60 miles.

How to Get to the Start/Finish Area
If it’s possible, take public transportation. There’s a SEPTA Regional Rail station in Manayunk not far from Main Street. Buses 27, 32, 35, R and K will put you near the action, too, but might be delayed because of street closures.

Best Places to Watch
Action-packed: The Wall on Lyceum Avenue by Pechin Street

Family-friendly: Midvale Avenue, along the East Falls Block Party

Relaxed: Kelly Drive, East Fairmount Park

What to Do After the Race
After the race is over, the course essentially turns into one giant block party. Main Street Manayunk will be closed to traffic, but there’s still plenty to do (and eat!) if you can get there. The restaurants and shops along the street set up shop outdoors, so you can sample a little bit of everything.

And, of course, there’s the East Falls Bike Race Block Party on Kelly Drive that starts waaaay before the race is even over, at 10 a.m. With live music, food, and a kid’s carnival, it’s perfect for all ages. More info here.

Road Closures
Here are the road closures along the course of the race:

Main Street from Ridge Avenue to Green Lane
Lyceum Avenue from Levering Street to Mitchell Street
Pechin Street from Green Lane to Roxborough Avenue
Roxborough Avenue from Pechin Street to Manayunk Avenue
Manayunk Avenue from Roxborough Avenue to Ridge Avenue
Ridge Avenue from Manayunk Avenue to Kelly Drive
Cresson Street from Levering Street to Rector Street

For additional road closures or more information on the race, go here.

Like what you’re reading? Experience Be Well Philly live at Be Well Philly Boot Camp fitness fest on June 7th!