2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic: A Little Less Lofty
The venerable Redlands Bicycle Classic, an event perhaps most noteworthy in that it has survived almost two-and-a-half decades in the blink-and-it's-gone world of pro cycling, is changing again.
And not for the better ... though we can't really expect organizers to pitch it like that.
For 2008, the Classic is bagging what always had been its signature event: The Oak Glen Road Race.
Even when the Classic was at its height, in terms of stages and cash and quality of field, Oak Glen was the one event that really mattered. Almost 100 miles, for the men, with a grueling, 10-mile climb to the quaint, apple-orchard community of Oak Glen, north of Beaumont.
The race finished at Los Rios Rancho, more than 4,800 feet above sea level. And the long push to the finish inevitably pulled the field apart and identified the top handful of competitors -- if it didn't flat-out determine who would win. It was a race where there were several minutes between riders -- in a competition where the other events usually featured minuscule time differentials.
The replacement event? A circuit race around Beaumont. About 85 miles for them men, or five laps of a 17-mile course with 1,200 feet of climbing per lap, organizers say. No easy ride, but an event we're going to predict doesn't blow up the field Oak Glen often did.
Why the change?
My guess: Redlands is looking for ways to trim costs, and Oak Glen always was an expensive proposition. It called for lots of traffic control (much of it uniformed police and CHP) as it wound from Redlands to Lake Matthews and back up to Oak Glen.
Let's assume a 17-mile loop in Beaumont will be much less expensive. (You leave the same roads closed for four hours, instead of making one pass, as per the Oak Glen race.) And though we regret to see the Classic diminished in scope and difficulty, its ultimate responsibility is making sure it survives. If the money isn't there to make Oak Glen viable, then the RBC has to do what it has to do. (There was no Oak Glen race in 2006, either, the year that essentially marked the start of the Classic's apparent financial struggles.)
A bicycle calender with NO Redlands Classic is much worse than a sked with a smaller one.
Following, is the release from RBC:
The 2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic Rolls a Circuit Through Beautiful
Beaumont. April 4, 2008.
Redlands, California- The 24th Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic (RBC) will
host a first ever Circuit Race through the beautiful city of Beaumont. The
rolling 17 mile course will take racers around the perimeter of the city
that lies just east of Redlands. Men will complete 5 laps, and women 4 laps
of the challenging course featuring approximately 1200 feet of climbing per
lap, as well as KOM and sprint points.
Beaumont Mayor Brian DeForge says "The city of Beaumont is honored and
excited to be a part of this year's Redlands Bicycle Classic! We look
forward to working with the organizers, competitors, and viewing public to
showcase our beautiful community." Police Chief Frank Coe adds, "We are
excited the Redlands Bicycle Classic race committee has selected the city of
Beaumont for their Circuit Race. We look forward to welcoming the racers to
our community and hope to develop a continuing relationship hosting future
stages as well."
The 24th Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic will continue its successful four
day format under the guidance of race director Dan Rendler, and the all
volunteer organizing committee. Rendler states "The city of Beaumont is an
excellent venue for the first stage of our 2008 race. We are confident that
the racers will find the new circuit course challenging and look forward to
a long term partnership with the city."
This year's RBC promises four days of world class bicycle racing, beginning
with a torturous prologue Time Trial on April 3rd, the Beaumont Circuit Race
April 4th, the downtown Redlands figure-eight Criterium April 5th, and
finishing with the final stage on April 6th, the famous Sunset Road Race
through the hills of Redlands.
Along with the prologue and three stages of professional racing on USA
Cycling's National Racing Calendar, the Redlands Bicycle Classic will
feature the 2008 recipient of the now coveted "Legends" Award, a full day of
public racing beginning with youth racers at age 3 through adults, the 2nd
annual "School Duel" competition among area schools, a new eco-friendly
environmental festival focused on promoting healthy living, and a full
schedule of hand cycle racing sponsored by the PossAbilities program at Loma
Linda University Medical Center that will be part of the United States
Handcycling National Series.
For more information on the Redland Bicycle Classic, visit
www.redlandsclassic.com
About the Redlands Bicycle Classic
The Redlands Bicycle Classic is an all-volunteer organization, including the
board of directors. The 24th annual Redlands Bicycle Classic is scheduled
for April 3-6, 2008. The event was founded in 1985 by a community group
chaired by then Mayor Carole Beswick to promote awareness of downtown
Redlands. Since that time, professional cyclists from around the world have
been racing in this event centered around the city of Redlands, California.
The Redlands Bicycle Classic is on the United States Cycling Federation
(USCF) National Racing Calendar (NCR).
About PossAbilities
PossAbilities is a community outreach program of Loma Linda University
Rehabilitation, Orthopaedic, and Neurosciences Institute. Membership to
PossAbilities is free and there are no age restrictions. For more
information: www.mypossabilities.com
About the city of Beaumont
The city of Beaumont is a growing community nestled in the San Gorgonio Pass
between Mount San Gorgonio and Mount San Jacinto. Founded in 1912, the
city has a population approaching 32,000 and was named the fastest growing
city in the state of California for the year 2006. Beaumont is attracting a
host of newcomers who are eager to enjoy the city's numerous amenities,
including a strong history, low crime, high quality of life, and planned
growth. Along with an increasing number of residents, many businesses have
also moved into the area, resulting in a well balanced community that is
becoming known as a great place to live, work, and play.