BEVERLY — Organizers of the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic are looking for neighborhood residents to host competitors after the 13th annual bike race that begins at 4:40 p.m. July 17.
"It's really a wonderful opportunity for families willing to invite these young athletes into their homes," said Marco Colbert, race director for the Intelligentsia Cup.
Families interested in hosting a cyclist must provide a comfortable sleeping space — either with a bed or room for an air mattress. Riders also need access to a bathroom with a shower, use of laundry machines, permission to use the kitchen and a place to park their bikes overnight.
Hosts are not expected to provide meals or transportation, though many do simply as an added gesture, Colbert said.
"I've discovered that kids really like the experience," he said, adding that children gain an appreciation for the athletes as well as a connection to the low-budget, high-speed sport of bicycle racing.
The Beverly Hills Cycling Classic has returned to a Friday afternoon this year after two years of being run through the Southwest Side neighborhood on a Thursday.
The move makes Beverly the first stop in the Prairie State Cycling Series, which also races in South Chicago on July 18 and concludes with the SRAM Chicago Criterium on July 26 in West Town.
The Beverly race has enjoyed considerable support over the years as the Beverly Area Planning Association also coordinates an area for casual fans to eat, drink and enjoy the race with live music.
This main viewing area is near the starting line on the grounds of Beacon Therapeutic Diagnostic and Treatment Center at 10650 S. Longwood Dr. in Beverly. The festival area is being expanded this year to include the new playground at the special-needs school.
It's free to enter the viewing area at Beacon Therapeutic. And organizers are promising more kid-friendly food this year. For the adults, craft beer from Argus Brewery will be available.
Residents along the one-mile loop also stage their own house parties to cheer on the racers as they zoom past.
This year's Beverly race will include categories for pro men and pro women, plus a children's big wheel race and a masters race for top cyclists 35 and older.
The masters race is new this year. Colbert believes the category will attract high-level cyclists from the Beverly area, including riders with the Beverly Bike–Vee-Pak Inc. racing team.
"The amateurs in the Chicago area are sort of champing at the bit to race in Beverly," he said.
Indeed, Beverly is unique among the other Midwest courses as racers are forced to climb a steep hill just past the starting line. And for skilled riders, the course can pay off, as $6,350 worth of prize money is available to racers across all categories.
"Beverly is a tough, tough course," Colbert said.
For information or to volunteer for race-day activities, call 773-233-3100 or email bapa@bapa.org. For information on the Prairie State Cycling Series, visit www.intelligentsiacup.com.
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