Events: The 2024 Summer Event Calendar
Summer is the fastest season. It can be argued that summer comes and goes quickly because every moment is packed with potential. No sooner does the solstice pass and suddenly people are scrambling to cram July as best as possible. All this happens before the dreaded back-to-school commercials to remind us that autumn is approaching (cross is coming). Summer is also race season, making it naturally fast. Sleeves are traded for long zippy rides. Chilly dark mornings are a distant memory when group rides head out into the warm early air. Trips to the beach either mean a break from the bike or a break from elevation.
Even the race calendar cools off in the summer. There are still road races, but many of the weekends feature one large race with one or two smaller events. Fields swell as points seekers fill the remaining races in hopes of moving up in the overall standings. Here at the offices of creakybottombracket.com, we’ve signed numerous PTOs for vacations. Even our reviews and write-ups have cooled off, waiting for the next inspiring thing to come along. The shop dogs sizzle in the sunbeams safely surrounded by the comfort of air conditioning. Every once in a while they’ll lift their heads to see if something is worth investigating before concluding to worry about it later (if they remember).
We have brought half-a-dozen rides to the forefront of our calendar. There is some gravel, an old standby, a lighthearted challenge, cross is coming (!), and one last road race before the skinny bikes get put away and the cross bikes are tapped for dirty duty. Enjoy the summer miles (kilometers), and we hope to see you out there.
North Winds Gravel Classic - July 13
Requested by a reader, the North Winds Gravel Classic, the fastest gravel in the northeast, is the New York state gravel championship and features a manageable 2800 feet (850 meters) of climbing over 100 kilometers. Situated near the shores of Lake Ontario in western New York state, the North Winds Gravel Classic features an attention-grabbing amount of gravel. It also means non-climbers could make the difference in the outcome. Crossing primarily through Tug Hill State Forest, the New York State Gravel Championship is guaranteed to be a wilderness affair with an anchor in the developed world.
North Winds Gravel Classic doesn’t only offer the metric century option; there is a 25-mile (40 kilometer) race that climbs a manageable 1200 feet (365 meters). The lack of climbing reinforces the claim that this is the fastest gravel in the northeast. Bring the fat tires, but also consider bringing the speed.
Dirty Jersey - July 14
Celebrating its tenth year, Kermesse Sport returns with Dirty Jersey, a gravel ride with a “short” option of 86 miles (138 kms). The longer route sends riders 112 miles (180 kms) to look for 7,300 feet (2165 m) of climbing and 43 miles (70 km) of unpaved surfaces throughout northern New Jersey. Supported by V5 Cycles in Flemington, the route heads north and ticks off numerous unknown gravel sectors including the Capoolong Creek/ Landsdown/ Columbia Trails which occupy a significant portion of the northerly route.
Kermesse Sport events excel at highlighting new roads, and Dirty Jersey is no exception. Dirty Jersey fits right into the category of a hard day’s ride with a considerable amount of climbing and new experiences. This unsupported ride taps into the brevet style of riding while meandering northern Jersey roads and trails. Those that have ridden numerous Hell of Hunterdons should consider the Dirty Jersey as the next evolution in bike event participation. Any time a departure window occurs at 7am for Kermesse Sport, things are about to get nostalgic. The Dirty Jersey is one to tick off the experiences box.
Tour of the Catskills - August 10
Summer would not be official without our yearly trek to Tannersville, NY, for the Tour of the Catskills ride. We’ve completed five of the Anthem Sports’ ride around the upstate New York area. It’s one of the most picturesque events on the calendar. Consider assembling the team and renting a house on the course for a mid-route pick-me-up.
If it weren’t for the final fifteen miles, this course would be a dream, but that’s not what brings us back. The notorious Devil’s Kitchen climb on Platte Clove Road will likely be the hardest uphill many participants have attempted. While that’s a notable feature, what brings us back are the sweeping views, the long descents, and the welcoming atmosphere the Catskills provide for the road cyclist. It’s been mentioned on this site that the Catskills are remote enough while staying grounded in modernity; they are rural with a proximity to connectivity. The Catskills feel like a region trying to claw back to the tourist scene one event at a time. Based at Last Chance Tavern, expect to celebrate the post-ride scene with a burger and a celebratory beer at this quality venue.
Lehigh Valley Cycling Club Donut Derby - September 2
The Labor Day classic test of donut destruction, the Donut Derby, returns to the Valley Preferred velodrome in Trexlertown, PA. The 36-mile race put on by Lehigh Valley Cycling Club is quite straightforward: for each donut consumed, three minutes is erased from the rider’s elapsed time. Donuts are not allowed to be manipulated (sprayed with water) or thrown away. Riders must present sticks to a judge who marks the rider bib before departure. There are two stops. The event is limited to 350 participants.
We have taken on the Donut Derby twice in the past ten years. It’s important to remember that three minutes is a mile for any rider averaging 20 miles per hour. That means spending more time in the donut pit is detrimental. While most people try for a dozen donuts throughout the event, few come close to the winners. One year, the winner, a competitive eater, consumed over fifty Krispy Kreme donuts. His overall time approached negative numbers.
The Donut Derby will offer participant children the chance to race the Munchkin Mile, a five-lap race around the Velodrome for riders eleven and under.
Fifth Street Cross - September 5
Unofficially 2024 summer’s anthem, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has officially announced “...there’s a party downtown near Fifth Street.” Clearly he’s referring to Fifth Street Cross, based in Emmaus, PA. Fifth Street Cross is a run-what-ya-brung affair that welcomes all manners of riders to imbibe in the off-road cycling state of mind. Actually, one doesn’t need a bike; Fifth Street Cross also hosts a running race along the same course at the Emmaus Compost Facility.
Fifth Street Cross can be summed up by one word- unique. While riders normally race to win, Fifth Street Cross celebrates the fifth rider to finish. There are bonus points for dates (the first Fifth Street happens on September 5th, as well as weather conditions. Double points are awarded when the race is held in the rain. Extra points are awarded for the fifth place finisher on week five. The race is timed. Racers will circulate one direction before the red flag is flown, a break ensues, and the race carries on in the opposite direction. No racing license is needed. Just bring a chill attitude and a willingness to embrace lightheartedness.
Bucks County Classic - September 8
The last race we ever entered (but didn’t finish) was the Bucks County Classic. Part of Doylestown’s larger Arts Fest, the Bucks County Classic has had numerous changes over the years. Initially part of the Univest Grand Prix, the Doylestown crit race solely focuses on Sunday’s action. This year the 100 kilometer race returns after a prolonged hiatus.
Started by criterium specialist John Eustice, the Bucks County Classic has taken place for nineteen years. This year’s running is celebrated as its twentieth running. The American cyclist scene has shown up for the season-ending crit race around the borough of Doylestown. The 1.6-mile (2.6 km) course caters to no particular rider. It has enough climbing to negate the sprint specialists, features enough flats to exclude the climbers, and has hosted some track specialists such as Bobby Lea. Really anyone could come away with the victory. This year the Bucks County Classic features numerous under category races as well as the women’s pro race and kid’s race. Come for the racing and bring the bike, the Bucks County Classic is a full day of celebrating the bike and Doylestown.
