Events: Oktoberfest Ride 2019 Registration
(2019) It is difficult to sway people from their summertime thoughts. Back-to-School ads have gone from a trickle to commonplace. Halloween candy has been stacked on the grocer’s shelves. Soon the pumpkin beers will be shelved, too. The race season’s calendar has tapered to just a few heavy hitting events. Riders who have shoveled buckets of miles through spring and fall may go looking for one more event to test the legs. Kermesse Sport’s Oktoberfest Ride in Collegeville, PA, has always been the reliable experience.
Oktoberfest Ride is not a race but it borrows dozens of miles from the old Univest Grand Prix race route that was shuttered over a decade ago. That fact alone checks a box regarding whether the route is entertaining enough for racers. For the rest who do not race the route is beautiful, scenic, and enjoyable. To ride in the shadows of pros – such as Tom Boonen and Phil Gaimon – can add a little wattage to your outing. Ending a season circling Montgomery County in peak foliage season is the proper 2019 send off before ‘cross comes.
There have been a few changes to the event. As yet, it has not been announced who has moved into the old Appalachian Brewing Company restaurant, but Brian, Oktoberfest Ride director, has stated the unnamed brewery is on board and will be having their own launch in due time. One other change pertains to this year’s route. With road construction comes detours and the route realigns itself more with the old Univest route than ever before. For those who lined up for the cyclosportif during the Univest days, the route will look even more familiar.
As in the past couple of years, Oktoberfest Ride offers two distance options: forty-seven miles and sixty-two miles. The 47 mile route eliminates the challenging Eichele Road climb within Green Lane Park but retains the beauty of the Montgomery County hillsides nicely. Both routes have access to the feed zone, one of the most enjoyable in all of cycling events.
The Oktoberfest Ride is always anticipated with alacrity for numerous reasons. The route is beautiful any time of year but fall is incredible. Several of the wooded segments have leaves everywhere; expect leaves to barely make a road identifiable. There is nostalgia in riding this course for us particularly because it was one of the first events attempted. The cyclosportif saw hundreds participate during the race’s high point. And of course the finish party has been on par with Kermesse Sport’s attention to culinary detail.
With registration opening Monday August 12, it is highly recommended to reserve your spot for the October 20thevent departing from Collegeville, PA. We will be there to bid another road season adieu before turning the attention to cyclocross. First we have to pass the beer ‘n brats spread at the new brewery.
Registration is now open for the 2019 Oktoberfest Ride. Register here. Certain categories have limited space so register now.
