NEVADA CITY BIKE RACE
Father's Day Foothill Race is Fan Friendly

The 47th annual Nevada City Bicycle Classic, scheduled for Sunday, June 17, is considered one of the oldest and most technically challenging Pro/Am bicycle racecourses in the United States. This respected event promises to have the best Pro/Am racers from the United States and Europe and many of the same racers who competed in the Tour of California earlier this year. The difficult, circular race is usually played out on a sunny Father's Day Sunday in front of thousands of cheering spectators.

The fan-friendly course is a 1.1 mile, 7-turn, counter-clockwise loop with 120 feet of climbing per lap and speeds reaching 50+ mph on the downhill straightaway.

The course is 1/3-downhill, 1/3-uphill and 1/3 rolling/flats and is considered one of the most physically challenging 1-day courses in America. Adding to the mix is the altitude of Nevada City itself, which is over 2,500 feet above sea level, ensuring any race effort will be strenuous.

The race was started in 1961 by race director Charlie Allert and the winners were awarded a gold nugget. Forty-seven years later the winners' purses have grown to thousands of dollars, with such bicycle stars as Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong entering the winner's circle.

Father's Day Sunday in this quaint Gold Rush town, nestled into Northern California's Sierra foothills, is a two-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, Nevada City is a showcase of Victorian and Miners-era historic homes and places of business.

Race day is full of family activities, including the opening Children's Bicycle Parade, a kids play-zone, music and plenty of food and drink choices for everyone. Nevada City boasts an excellent nightlife featuring fine dining, live music and a wide selection of watering holes for those arriving on Friday or Saturday. Adjacent to the Tahoe National Forest, there are plenty of daytime activities as well.

The 2007 race has received registration requests from the top men's and women's teams in the United States, South America, New Zealand and Asia. The amateur categories are expected to fill up with the best racers in each category, assuring race fans a full day of speed and excitement.

Overnight lodging will be in high demand so make your reservations early. For more information, go to www.nevadacitychamber.com or contact the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce at (530) 265-2692. Volunteer race director Duane Strawser can be contacted directly at (530) 265-2187.