The San Jose Cycling Classic will be held May 15-20 throughout San Jose in conjuction with the upcoming Amgen Tour of California.
“Cycling is an important form of alternative transportation, and San Jose’s Green Vision puts San Jose on the path to being a cycling-friendly city,” San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed said. “The San Jose Cycling Classic lets cyclists everywhere know that San Jose and the greater South Bay region is a one of the best places in the world to cycle whether youre an amateur or a professional.”
The San Jose Cycling Classic will kick off with the Mattson Technology San Jose ViaVelo: Urban Free-wheelin Fun! Co-produced by the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, this kick-off event for a week-long celebration of cycling activities beginning on Saturday, May 15 will include a family fun ride, a geo caching scavenger hunt, community booths, demonstrations, live music and other free activities. The Mattson Technology San Jose ViaVelo will transform San Fernando Street in Downtown San Jose into a car-free promenade to gather to bike, walk, dance, stroll, play games, just have a great time and enjoy a sunny May day in a care-free environment. Events such as this have been held all over the world, but have yet to hit San Jose streets until now.
The San Jose Cycling Classic continues with the Get Back on Your Bike! cycling instruction presentation, noon-1 p.m., Tues., May 18 at the San Jose Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 150 E. San Fernando Street. Presented by John Brazil, head of San Jose’s Pedestrian & Bicycle Program, this free lunchtime course provides important tips on using the bicycle for recreation and commuting.
On Wed., May 19, San Jose will welcome back The King of the Mountain Time Trial Ride, and a CEO Challenge powered by SunPower and co-presented by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group for the fourth year in a row. Held on Sierra Road in San Jose, the 3.7 mi. individually timed ride will be held on the same challenging course that the professional cyclists will tackle during the Amgen Tour of California later in the day. Beginning at the base of Sierra Road, participants will bike to the top where a VIP brunch will be served. While at the top, participants will also be able cheer on the professional cyclists as they ride their way through Stage 4 of the Amgen Tour of California, also taking place on Wed., May 19.
With a race start at 11 a.m., Wed., May 19, at Park Ave. and Almaden Blvd., San Jose will be a host city for the Amgen Tour of California for the fifth year in a row — one of the few cities in California to be able to stake this claim. And, San Jose will, for the second time, serve as a start city to one of the most challenging legs of the race. Festivities, beginning at 9 a.m., will include a healthy lifestyle festival and “autograph alley,” a designated area where cycling fans will have the opportunity to meet their favorite riders, including Lance Armstrong, who is taking part in the Amgen Tour of California as a member of the Radio Shack Cycling Team, and who is considered to be one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
The San Jose Cycling Classic concludes with a special free San Jose Cycling Classic Film Night at 7 p.m., Thurs., May 20, Camera 12, 201 S. Second Street.
For a complete schedule, and registration and registration information, visit http://www.sanjoseclassic.com/
