To many it is known as the “Manayunk Bike Race” but the actual name of this yearly Philadelphia tradition is the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship sponsored by TD Bank. This year will mark the 26^th time the race will be conducted. It is known as the highest ranked one day cycling race on the Western Hemisphere by the International Cycling Union. It is 156 miles in length consisting of a three lap starting circuit, a 10 lap main loop that includes the infamous Manayunk Wall, which is a steep enough climb to crack any veteran cyclist, and a three lap finishing circuit. To go along with the all male race there is also an all female “Liberty Classic” that starts later than the men’s race and is much shorter (approximately 56 miles long). All this information about the bike race cannot capture the aura of hundreds of the best cyclists from around the world competing in the neighborhoods of Philadelphia. It also cannot capture the massive party that surrounds the race.

I have always heard of ridiculous parties surrounding the bike race, and outstanding early morning bar specials when I was younger. Having grown up and experienced these I have come to find they are just as I imagined. Partiers surround the course cups in-hand yelling on the riders. After every pass it’s back to the house or bar that is home for the event to get a few more drinks in before having to run out and cheer and yell again. Open container laws seem to be loosely upheld as the bike race is a joyous occasion for all. The party is not held to just the morning of the bike race, as many avid partiers for the race are still sleeping when the race begins. Many party for the bike race starting the night before.

The night before the bike race is just as much a party as the day of, as streets in Manayunk are shut down due to course setup.  People will party all night in preparation for the bike race. Although the partying sometimes hinders some people’s ability to start as early as they may want the next day, it is all something that goes along with the experience of the bike race. It used to be tradition for drunken fans of the race to find any object with wheels to take and roll or slide down the Manayunk wall at midnight the night before. This has proven to be dangerous for some, and is something that the police that are stationed at various streets along the route no longer allow. Overall though the night before is like the party goers  opening circuit for the 10 lap main loop that is the party taking place the next day during the bike race.

If you have never experienced the “Manayunk Bike Race” I suggest you grab some friends this Sunday, June 6^th and head to one of the many bars with specials, or backpack up the wall. There is no room for negativity as the day is filled with smiles, cheering, and shenanigans for all.