What reminds us more of our Dads then riding our bikes? Picture this: Dusk on our cul-de-sac. The early 80s. I am 6 years old. We had just taken my training wheels off for the first time. My Dad, in a rare burst of excitement, holds onto the back of my bike seat and runs behind me until I was ready for him to let go and ride on my own, free of the training wheels, marking me as officially “a really big kid”… Maybe that is why this race always lands on Father’s Day. Maybe most people have the same memory that I do. Whatever the reason, for those who have found a way to own or rent real estate near Historic Downtown Nevada City, arguably the year’s most fast-paced and family-friendly highlight is about to happen on Father’s Day: The 55th Annual Nevada City Bicycle Classic.
Those of you who already rent or own a slice of historic real estate here know that our downtown is built on a steep hill. We are in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada- a dream for bikers as well as walkers and hikers and those who wish to feel the burn in their quads just from walking up and down the charming streets of downtown. One of the most challenging races in the United States, The Nevada City Classic involves professional men and women cyclists who race for 40 plus laps, flying up and down the small loop that we call home in downtown Nevada City. Each lap gains more than 110 ft elevation! Watching this race will not only make your father happy on Father’s Day, it will even put a smile on even the face of your grumpy Aunt Jane. And the crowd goes wild…
The Exciting Race Details: Nevada City’s Broad Street is the main drag of town and the main drag of the race, it is also the finishing line. The announcer’s voice booms over a loud speaker from this location. The race is a 1.1 mile twisty, windy, loop with seven hair-pin turns that follows Broad Street and several connector streets, including Commercial St, site of the town’s historic China quarters from the Gold Rush days. Thousands of locals and tourists alike will line the streets of Broad and Commercial to watch the amazing athletic prowess of these bicycle racers. We will ooooh and aaaah at their supreme technical skill as they just barely miss the hay bales that line the race course (to give a softer landing for the occasional slide-out and crash). Even Lance Armstrong joined the race a few years ago. It is easy to see why some experts of the wheeled persuasions consider this the toughest race in the United States.
Historically this race has always been on Father’s Day, and is really a fun way to spend the afternoon hours with any loved one, or go solo and meet a new friend. When the race began in 1960 it drew a large crowd of 1500 spectators. Nowadays the race draws a sweaty, cheering, and enthusiastic 15,000 people. For more info check out the race’s official site: http://www.nevadacityclassic.com.
So on Father’s Day, before we head home to celebrate our Fathers of the past, present, and future, let’s check out the Nevada City Bicycle Classic. Let’s do it for Dad to celebrate that day he took off our training wheels and allowed us to fly.
For more information on buying, selling, or renting real estate in Nevada City, Grass Valley, and the rest of Nevada County’s Gold Country, please contact us.
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